(
HISTORY
OF THE
FIRST REGIMENT
OF
Tennessee Volunteer Cavalry
IN THE
GREAT WAR OF THE REBELLION,
WITH THE ARMIES OF THE OHIO AND CUMBERLAND,
UNDER GENERALS MORGAN, ROSECRANS,
THOMAS, STANLEY AND WILSON.
1862-1865.
BY
\V R. CHARTER,
COMPANY C.
ILLUSTRATED.
KNOXVILLE, TENN.:
GAUT-OGDEN CO., PRINTERS AND BINDERS.
. 1902.
S3 /
I sT
Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1896, by
W. R. CARTER,
in the office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington, D. C.
TO THE SURVIVING
MEMBERS OF THE FIRST
TENNESSEE CAVALRY; TO THE MEMORY
OF OUR DECEASED COMRADES AND THEIR
KINDRED; TO THE MARTYRED PATRIOTS OF
EAST TENNESSEE WHO DIED ON THE GALLOWS AND IN
PRISON, AND TO THE LOYAL AND PATRIOTIC PEO
PLE WHO SYMPATHIZED WITH THEM, THIS
VOLUME IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED,
IN FRATERNITY, CHARITY
AND LOYALTY, BY
THE AUTHOR.
M199841
PREFACE.
As the years go by and age creeps upon the soldier, he
delights in telling those about him how he fought and suf
fered for his country when it was in danger. One of the
reasons for writing a history of the First Tennessee Cavalry
is to hand down to posterity the many gallant and heroic
deeds performed by it. I was urged by my comrades to
undertake the work, realizing, however, that it would require
time, patience and plenty of hard work before the completion
of the history. The Adjutant-General's Report of the State
and War Diaries had to be consulted and the matter put in
shape for publication. But, after a year of hard, faithful
work, the author is able to furnish a history of the regiment,
in which are recorded the many valiant deeds performed by
it in the sixties.
The author has endeavored to give a fair and impartial
account of all the doings of the regiment from 1862 to 1865.
He does not claim that his regiment put down the rebellion,
or did all the fighting and none of the running. But one
thing the author dwells upon, and that is, the regiment per
formed its duty well, and no order was ever given to it that
was not promptly executed. Its battles and large death-roll
are evidence of faithful service.
The author has not attempted to go beyond the services
of his own regiment in the preparation of this work, only
so far as the movements of other troops with whom it served
mention is made for the purpose of conveying to the
reader an intelligent idea of the arduous duty performed by
the regiment.
6 PREFACE.
I do not claim that the work is entirely free from errors,
as that would be impossible, it being over thirty-seven years
since the last hostile gun was fired, and during that time
much valuable information has been lost. But errors are
found in all histories.
The roster is in the main correct, as the author at the
very beginning decided that every name that appeared upon
the rolls of the regiment should be given and, as far as
possible, the postoffice address. The chief object has been
to tell what the First Tennessee Cavalry did, and how they
did it. The facts contained in this volume will no doubt shed
some new light on and answer as a reminder of the very
honorable part the regiment took in that great struggle.
The author acknowledges and tenders his thanks to
those who so cheerfully and kindly assisted him in the prep
aration of this work.
This is a history of what one regiment did, and not of
the army, and is a plain recital of facts that happened back
in the sixties. Neither does the author attempt to describe
the movements of the army. That has already been done
by other historians.
To some it may appear that the author has been too
modest, that he has not "bio wed his own horn" enough ; but
he will let others judge. The author has not attempted to
rob other regiments of their glory or honor won upon the
battlefield.
THE AUTHOR.
Knoxville, Tennessee, July 25, 1902.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
EAST TENNESSEE UNIONIST — ORGANIZATION OF THE REGIMENT —
THE FIRST CAMP — DRILLS AND PARADES — ORDERED TO THE
FRONT— NIGHT MARCHES— FIRST ALARM— ORGANIZATION OF
THE SEVENTH DIVISION 1 1
CHAPTER II.
CUMBERLAND GAP — MORGAN'S CAMPAIGN — THE STRONGHOLD
FALLS — OPERATIONS AROUND THE GAP — HARD SERVICE AND
SHORT RATIONS 29
CHAPTER III.
MORGAN'S FAMOUS RETREAT — FATIGUING MARCH — HARRASSED BY
THE ENEMY — MARCHING UNDER DIFFICULTIES — CAMP LIFE
ON THE OHIO — CAMP DENNISON IN 1862 46
CHAPTER IV.
THE FOURTH TENNESSEE MOUNTED— MUSKETS TO CARBINES— IN
CIDENTS AT CAM? DENNISON — ORDERED TO MURFREESRORO —
FIRST SABER CHARGE — HALF IN HOSPITALS — COLONEL JOHN
SON RESIGNS — RE-OGANIZATION OF THE CAVALRY — BROWN-
LOW WEARS THE EAGLE 59
CHAPTER V.
TULLAHOMA CAMPAIGN — THE ADVANCE — GUY'S GAP — TEN
THOUSAND CAVALRY ON A WILD CHARGE — WHEELER FORCED
TO SWIM DUCK RIVER — BRAGG LEAVES TENNESSEE — HIS
TORIC CAMP — MOVEMENTS OF THE CAVALRY — CONCENTRATION
AT STEVENSON — PREPARING FOR AN ADVANCE 74
CHAPTER VI.
ADVANCE OF THE ARMY — CLIMBING MOUNTAINS — SCENERY ABOVE
THE CLOUDS — DARING MOVE OF THE FIRST TENNESSEE — LOST
IN A MOUNTAIN — BLOODY CHICKAMAUGA — Two DAYS ON
THE FIELD — CRAWFISH SPRING — ON THE MOVE — WATCHING
WHEELER 85
8 CONTENTS.
CHAPTER VII.
WHEELER'S GREAT RAID — LARGE WAGON TRAIN BURNED — THE
PURSUIT — WINCHESTER — ORDERED TO EAST TENNESSEE-
FIGHTING BUSHWHACKERS — LIEUT. BOWMAN ATTACKED
NEAR SPARTA — His SOLDIERS KILLED AFTER SURRENDERING —
TAKE NO PRISONERS — BROWNLOW QUIETS THE "GUERILLAS" 100
CHAPTER VIII.
EAST TENNESSEE CAMPAIGN — CLIMBING THE CUMBERLAND — THE
FIRST TENNESSEE AT HOME — A LIVELY SET-TO AT DANDRDIGE.
A BRILLIANT CHARGE — THE SABER FREELY USED — CHRIST
MAS EVE IN CAMP 112
CHAPTER IX.
How CHRISTMAS WAS SPENT — BATTLE OF MOSSY CREEK — DEATH
OF CAPTAIN CANNON AND LIEUTENANT Cox — A GALLANT
CHARGE — INDIAN FIGHTING IN THE MOUNTAINS — CAPTURING
A WAGON TRAIN 126
CHAPTER X.
BATTLE OF FAIR GARDEN — CAPTURE OF COLONEL BROWNLOW — HE
BRIBES THE GUARD AND MAKES His ESCAPE — BACK TO THE
ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND — CAMP LIFE AT CLEVELAND —
WHEELER ATTEMPTS TO CAPTURE THE REGIMENT 138
CHAPTER XI.
THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN — FROM CLEVELAND TO PINE MOUNTAIN.
— DUG GAP AND TILTON — ACROSS THE COOSAWATTEE AND
ETOWAH — SOLDIERING UNDER DIFFICULTIES — BURNT HICK
ORY — BROWNLOW'S HILL 150
CHAPTER XII.
ATLANTA CAMPAIGN CONTINUED — OPERATIONS AROUND PINE
MOUNTAIN — ADVANCE ON THE KENNESAW LINE — ASSAULT
AND FLANK MOVEMENT — DARING FEAT OF THE FIRST TEN- -
ESSEE AT THE CHATTAHOOCHEE — BROWNLOW'S NAKED CHARGE 164
CHAPTER XIII.
RAID BELOW ATLANTA— GREAT DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY— DEATH
OF LIEUT. ROBERTS — BROWNLOW REFUSES TO SURRENDER —
CUTS THE LINES — A RACE FOR LIFE — SWIMMING THE CHAT
TAHOOCHEE — HARDSHIPS OF THE MEN 176
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XIV.
ORDERED TO NASHVILLE — WHEELER'S RAID — SHARP FIGHTING —
COLONEL BROWNLOW WOUNDED — WHEELER DRIVEN ACROSS
THE TENNESSEE— FORREST RETURNS BUT MEETS THE SAME
FATE — THE DARING RAIDER FORCED TO c FIGHT — FIGHTING
BUSHWHACKERS — LIFE ALONG THE TENNESSEE 188
CHAPTER XV.
HOOD CROSSES THE TENNESSEE — RACE WITH SCHOFIELD — HATCH
FLOGS FORREST AT CAMPBELLSVILLE — WILSON AT DUCK
RTVER — NIGHT MARCH TO FRANKLIN — PREPARATION FOR
BATTLE 201
CHAPTER XVI.
BATTLE OF FRANKLIN — HOOD ASSAULTS THE UNION LINES — RE
PULSED WITH GREAT SLAUGHTER — His Loss IN OFFICERS UN-
EQUALED IN THE WAR — DESPERATE FIGHTING — GENERAL
STANLEY WOUNDED — SCHOFIELD WITHDRAWS IN THE NIGHT.
SAFE IN NASHVILLE 213
CHAPTER XVII.
BATTLE OF NASHVILLE — A GREAT UNION VICTORY — THE GREAT
CAVALRY BATTLE OF THE \VEST— WILSON'S CAVALRY CAP
TURING FORTS — HOOD'S ARMY WRECKED — THE DEFEAT AND
ROUT — CAPTURING PRISONERS AND GUNS — THE PURSUIT.... 225
CHAPTER XVIII.
'THE PURSUIT CONTINUED — ENGAGEMENT AT LYNNVILLE — CHRIST
MAS EVE — PURSUIT ENDED — ORDERED TO WATERLOO — WINTER
QUARTERS — THE MOVE INTO MISSISSIPPI — RETURN TO THE
OLD CAMP 239
CHAPTER XIX.
RELIEVED AT THE FRONT — ORDERED TO NASHVILLE — THE SURREN
DER OF LEE — GREAT REJOICING IN CAMP — THE WAR ENDED.
— PREPARING FOR MUSTER-OUT — RELIEVED OF DUTY 253
CHAPTER XX.
CLOSING SCENES— UNDER THE TATTERED FLAG— MUSTERED OUT.
FAREWELL GREETING — RETURN HOME — RECEPTION BY THE
LOYAL PEOPLE 264
ROSTER. RECORD AND POSTOFFICE ADDRESS 269
ROLL OF HONOR 332
RECAPITULATION 333
HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER
CAVALRY.
CHAPTER I.
EAST TENNESSEE UNIONIST — ORGANIZATION or" THE REGI
MENT — FIRST CAMP — DRILLS AND PARADE — ORDERED TO
THE FRONT — FIRST ALARM — ORGANIZATION OF THE
SEVENTH DIVISION — NIGHT MARCHES.
When the reverberations of Sumters guns came sweep
ing across the valleys and the mountains the loyal people
from all parts of the Union thronged to the field to assist
in protecting the inheritance bequeathed to them by their
forefathers.
They were so patriotic and eager to enlist that for the
time being they even forgot the luxuries, pleasures, and com
forts of their homes. In no part of the country did this das
tardly act arouse a greater feeling of patriotism than was
manifested in East Tennessee. It brought thinking people
to a full realization of a stern duty that awaited every true
patriot. The whole country was wild with excitement, as a
terrible war seemed inevitable.
When the President called for men to put on the har
ness of war he designated no particular class of people. Men
came from the farm, shop, store, office, yes and even the pro
fessional man was seen to enter the ranks. All classes were
represented in the great and growing army that soon rivaled
that of Napoleon I.
12 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
History affords no parallel to the universal and hearty
response made by the loyal men of the nation to the support
of the government in the great Civil War between the North
and South. The bombardment and fall of Fort Sumter
threw the whole country into great excitement. Immediately
after this noted event President Lincoln called for seventy-
five thousand volunteers for the suppression of the rebellion.
Tennessee's quota was two regiments, and at that time if the
loyal and patriotic people of East Tennessee had been given
an opportunity to respond to this call, ten regiments could
have been furnished from this division of the State.
The inhabitants of this section were mostly Whigs and
the descendants of frontiersmen and Indian fighters. They
were full of patriotism and had been taught from childhood
to resent an insult, and especially one to the flag of their
country, the emblem of liberty. They were trained also to
the use of the rifle, consequently were excellent marksmen.
They were the direct descendants of the brave men who
fought at and destroyed Fnrgeson's army at King's Moun
tain, and Packenham at New Orleans. It was therefore not
unnatural that they should be aroused by this great insult to
their country's flag and the great shock that this event pro
duced, wrhen the news was flashed across the country that
Fort Sumter had been fired upon.
In no part of the country had the people been more loyal
than here in East Tennessee. In every war since Tennessee
became a State we find her sons ready and willing to go forth
and die if need be for the old flag. We make the modest
claim that in no part of the country was there manifested
greater indignation at this treasonable act, and a greater
determination to resent the insult to the nation, than here in
East Tennessee.
They sprang to the "call to arms" like their forefathers
and poured out their blood for the preservation of the Union.
No one can forget the great excitement this event produced
and the enthusiasm of the loyal people of the United States
to stand by the government in the dark days of 1861.
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 13
The same patriotic spirit that had always characterized
Tennessee in former wars in coming to the defense of the
old flag now manifested itself again. In the war with Mex
ico it is said that the spirit for volunteering was such that it
became a question not as to who must go, but who may go.
The following telegram was sent by the Secretary of
War to the Governor of Tennessee :
WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, April 15, 1861.
To His Excellency, Isham G. Harris, Governor of Tennessee :
Call made on you by to-night's mail for two regiments of militia
for immediate service. SIMON CAMERON,
Secretary of War.
Governor Harris was absent when the call came, but on
his return sent the following answer :
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Nashville, Tennessee, April 17, 1861.
Hon. Simon Cameron, Secretary of War, Washington, D. C. :
Sir: Your dispatch of the isth inst, informing me that Ten
nessee is called upon for two regiments of militia for immediate ser
vice, is received. Tennessee will not furnish a single man for the
purpose of coercion, but 50,000 if necessary for the defense of our
rights and those of our Southern brothers.
ISHAM G. HARRIS,
Governor of Tennessee.
Tennessee was at that time one of the States of the
Union, and the Secretary of War had a right to call upon
Tennessee for troops. Tennessee had always been very
patriotic, and the readiness with which it had always re
sponded to the calls and came to the defense of the country,
when threatened either by a foreign or a savage foe, had won
for it the name of "The Volunteer State."
It was one of Tennessee's grand and patriotic citizens,
as well as soldier, who exclaimed, "The Union ! It must and
shall be preserved!" This was the iron man who led his
Tennessee riflemen to victory at New Orleans, defeating the
flower of the English army.
The Eastern division of the State was strongly Whig,
and when war threatened the destruction and dismember
ment of the Union this element took a strong and decided
14 HISTORY 01? FIRST REGIMENT
stand against secession. This division of the State was also
full of brave and patriotic leaders, and no people were more
true and devoted to them than the Union men of East Ten
nessee. Among them we find such patriots as Rev. W. G.
Brownlow, O. P. Temple, Horace Maynard, Andrew John
son, John M. Fleming, Samuel Pickens, T. A. R. Nelson,
Rev. W. B. Carter, and a host of others who risked their
lives and their property that the honor and reputation of
"The Volunteer State" might not go down in shame and dis
honor at this perilous moment.
The following is a portion of a long series of resolu
tions passed by one of the many conventions held by the
Unionists of East Tennessee :
"That the Legislature of the State, without having first obtained
the consent of the people, had no authority to enter into a 'military
league' with the Confederate States against the general government,
and by so doing to put the State of Tennessee in hostile array against
the government of which it was, and still is, a member. Such legis
lation in advance of the expressed will of the people to change their
governmental relation was an act of usurpation and should be visited
with the severest condemnation of the people. Resolved, further :
That the action of our State Legislature in passing the so-called
'Declaration of Independence,' and in forming the military league
with -the Confederate States, and in adopting other acts looking to a
separation of the State of Tennessee from the government of the
United States, is unconstitutional and illegal, and therefore not bind
ing upon us as loyal citizens." * * *
In the meantime, Isham G. Harris and other leaders
tried to sell Tennessee "lock, stock and barrel" to Jeff Davis
& Co. They attempted to make the Union people believe
that the State had seceded because a partisan Legislature
liad secretly passed ordinances of secession. The loyal peo
ple of East Tennessee remained true to the Union, and Gov
ernor Harris, finding that he was unable to subdue these
liberty-loving people, sent armed troops into East Tennessee,
with orders to disarm the Union people. In the enforcement
of this tyrannical order no Union man was allowed to escape
search, and if arms were found in his possession they were
taken.
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 15
As the clouds of war grew darker, and the thunder from
the battlefields pealed louder, these East Tennessee Unionists
became more bitter and defiant. Twiggs had traitorously
turned over all government property placed in his charge to
the so-called Confederate government, consisting of arms,
stores and ammunition. The loyal people of East Tennessee
did not approve of such a course and determined never to
submit to this attempt to take away their liberty, destroy the
government and fasten the yoke of slavery upon them.
There were numerous conflicts between the loyal sons
of East Tennessee and the armed Confederates in the execu
tion of the order, and often a hearty reception would be given
them and a variety of keepsakes and reminders in the nature
of wounds, bullets and buckshot.
Armed bands of the enemy roamed over the country,
pilfering, robbing and murdering peaceful citizens. Martial
law was declared in East Tennessee; provost-marshals and
enrolling officers were appointed in every town and county,
and these were composed usually of the bitterest and most
oppressive men in the Confederacy.
Colonel W. B. Wood, Sixteenth Alabama, commanding
the post at Knoxville in the fall of 1861, wrote to Adjutant-
General Cooper at Richmond as follows : "Five hundred
Union men are now threatening Strawberry Plains, fifteen
hundred are assembling in Hamilton county, and there is a
general uprising in all the counties. The whole country is
now in a state of rebellion and the mountaineers will whip
Zollicoffer as soon as they get ammunition."
Then came the destruction of the bridges along the East
Tennessee & Virginia railroad, one of the main lines con
necting Richmond and the Gulf States. This was followed
by the execution of Henry Fry and J. M. Hensie at Greene-
ville, C. A. Hawn, Jacob Harmon and his son Henry at
Knoxville. The charge against these men was bridge-burn
ing, yet there was no positive proof that any of them had
burned or attempted to burn a bridge. Hundreds of promi
nent citizens were arrested on some "trumped-up charge"
16 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
and sent south to Tuskaloosa, Ala., a prison well known to
the loyal people of East Tennessee, where, by cruel and in
human treatment, scores died.
Among those sent from East Tennessee were Hon.
Montgomery Thornburgh, attorney-general of his judicial
circuit; Hon. Samuel Pickens, state senator, and Hon. Levi
Trewhitt, a very old man and a well-known lawyer. To add
further insult to these loyal and patriotic citizens they were
sent south in filthy stock-cars. Among those who died in
this prison was Attorney-General Thornburgh. Dr. William
Hunt and Hon. Levi Trewhitt died from cruel treatment.
The jail at Knoxville was full to overflowing with Union
men. Ministers who dared to pray for the success of the
Union army, or for the preservation of the government, were
arrested and thrown into prison.
The loyalty of these mountain people to the old flag was
a menace to the Confederates and the cause of much bitter
ness. Every able-bodied man under the age of forty-five
was required to go into the rebel army, and the Union men
who had remained at home up to this time began to drop
out of sight. Pilots or guides, as they were called, were in
great demand to take these loyal men beyond the lines. The
secret means of escape to the Union lines was termed "The
Underground Railroad," and the secret method of communi
cation, "The Grape-vine Telegraph."
In the meantime the East Tennessee & Virginia railroad
was kept busy transporting troops from the South to Vir
ginia. This was witnessed by the loyal people with a strong
feeling of dissatisfaction, and in order to put a stop to it they
planned the destruction of the bridges. In the attempt to
destroy the bridge at Strawberry Plains there was a consid
erable fight between the guard and the Union men, in which
both sides had men wounded.
These outbreaks created great excitement and alarm,
and were committed, not in the spirit of wanton destruction,
but of real war upon an enemy and for the sole purpose of
interrupting the military communications of the Gulf States
COLONEL, ROBKRT .JOHNSON
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 17
with Richmond and of enabling the Union army to enter
East Tennessee.
Martial law was declared in Knoxville and Union peo
ple's houses were arbitrarily entered night and day by the
soldiers, who demanded their arms and ammunition. This
attempt to disarm the people was denounced, as they doubted
the right to take away their arms, as they Were looked upon
as a household necessity.
Shortly after the election on the 8th of June a mass-
meeting of the Union people was called to meet at Straw
berry Plains, seventeen miles northeast of Knoxville, to con
demn the action of Governor Harris in declaring the State
out of the Union, contrary to the voice of its qualified voters.
The meeting was largely attended and was held in a grove a
short distance east of the village, near the railroad. During
the progress of the meeting a regiment of "Louisiana Tigers"
passed by on the cars. They had been notified of the meet
ing before leaving the station, and under a full head of steam
and with loaded muskets on they came. When opposite the
place where these patriots were quietly discussing the action
of Governor Harris they opened fire. This fire was promptly
met with volleys from all kinds of firearms and a rush for
the train. Several men who were near the track attempted
to wreck the train by placing cross-ties on the rails. There
were no casualties on the Union side, and as the train kept
moving there was no means of knowing whether any of the
"Tigers" were hurt or not, but the sides of the cars were per
forated with bullets.
The nearest point to the Union camps was in the State
of Kentucky, and to reach them the mountains and a hostile
enemy must be passed. The vigilant foe kept every gap well
guarded, and capture meant death or long confinement in
some loathsome prison. Those who are familiar with the
topography of the country between Tennessee and Kentucky
will remember that Cumberland Mountain is well flanked
with hills and ridges, all of which must be crossed in passing
from one State to the other. But with all their watchfulness
18 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
and the dangers incident to such an undertaking, thousands
left their homes, made their way safely across the cold and
cheerless mountains, reached the Union camps and enlisted
in the army, shedding their blood in defense of the old flag.
The most of these long and dangerous marches were
made by night, to better escape the watchful eye of the
enemy. These midnight tramps were made in companies of
fifty to one hundred, and even larger numbers were safely
taken through the lines. It was no uncommon thing for
pitched battles to occur between these East Tennessee Union
ists and the Confederates. The majority of these expedi
tions were successful, but a few were disastrous. The Union
people of East Tennessee believed that when their liberty
was taken from them there was nothing left worth living for,
and, in the language of Patrick Henry, it was ''Give me lib
erty or give me death."
The greatest secrecy was required in making these trips,
and all loud and boisterous talking had to be repressed.
But when the point was reached wThere it was safe to give
expression to pent-up feelings the men would break forth
in loud huzzas, singing as they marched along, "We are com
ing, Father Abraham, three hundred thousand more." It
is rather a remarkable fact that East Tennessee in 1861, with
a male population of forty-five thousand between the ages
of twenty and fifty, should furnish for the Union army
thirty-five thousand volunteers — not a conscript among
them — besides hundreds that enlisted in Kentucky, Ohio,
Indiana and Illinois regiments, for which Tennessee received
no credit.
Tennessee was the last State to "seceed," or more truth
fully speaking, "forced out of the Union," and this act was
not a voluntary one, but was accomplished by force of arms.
This shameful act occurred on the 8th day of June, 1861,
almost two months after Fort Sumter had been fired upon.
Rev. N. G. Taylor, a Bell elector on the Presidential ticket
in 1860, made use of the following strong language in a
speech delivered in Knoxville : "The people of East Tennes-
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 19
see are determined to maintain the Union by force of arms
against any movement from the South throughout their re
gion of country to assail the government at Washington with
violence, and that the Secessionists of the cotton States, in
attempting to carry out their nefarious designs to destroy the
Republic, would have to march over my dead body and the
dead bodies of thousands of East Tennessee mountaineers
slain in battle."
In August, 1 86 1, Colonel R. K. Bird, of Roane county,
organized the First Regiment of Tennessee Volunteers at
Camp Dick Robinson, Kentucky. The following Septem
ber the Second Regiment Tennessee Volunteers was organ
ized at the same camp by Colonel J. P. T. Carter, of Carter
county. In February, 1862, Colonel L. C. Houk, of Ander
son county, organized the Third Tennessee Volunteers at
Flat Lick, Kentucky. In March, Colonel Robert Johnson,
of Greeneville, organized the Fourth Regiment Tennessee
Volunteers at Camp Garber, Kentucky. The following
November the regiment was mounted and equipped for the
cavalry service and was mustered as the First Tennessee
Cavalry. Camp Garber is about one mile northwest of Flat
Lick, on the main road leading from Barboursville to Cum
berland Gap.
The men composing the regiment were principally from
the counties of Bradley, Knox, Union, Grainger, Jefferson,
Greene, Hawkins and Hancock. Colonel Johnson's paternal
notoriety made him quite popular and influential. His
father, Andrew Johnson, when the war broke out, bore the
proud distinction of being the only Southern Senator who
retained his seat in the Senate after his State had seceded.
Colonel Johnson was authorized by E. M. Stanton, Secre
tary of War, to recruit a cavalry regiment, but from some
cause the government did not arm and equip it for that
branch of the service at the time of its organization.
Being the fourth regiment organized from the State,
"Number 4" was assigned to it and entered of record, and
up to November was known as the Fourth Tennessee Volun-
20 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
teers. Recruits came in rapidly, it then being understood
that the regiment would soon be mounted, and with the
Tennessee boys the idea of "riding instead of walking" wras
quite a popular one. The first company organized for the
regiment was Company A, yet the first seven companies were
organized during March and April. The following is the
original list of company officers and the order in which they
were recruited :
COMPANY A.
Captain, Charles L. Barton; First Lieutenant, John H. Trent;
Second Lieutenant, Moses Wiley.
COMPANY B.
Captain, Richard M. Baldwin; First Lieutenant, Gideon Wolf:
Second Lieutenant, George Odom.
COMPANY C.
Captain, James P. Brownlow; First Lieutenant, Morgan T.
Burkhart ; Second Lieutenant, Elbert J. Cannon.
COMPANY D.
Captain, Alfred J. Lane ; First Lieutenant, W. R. Willoughby ;
Second Lieutenant, George W. Cox.
COMPANY E.
Captain, Henry G. Flagg; First Lieutenant, Charles H. Burdick;
Second Lieutenant, William Thurman.
COMPANY F.
Captain, Thomas J. Capps ; First Lieutenant, Robert A. Wooten ;
Second Lieutenant, John A. Gray.
COMPANY H.
Captain, John A. Gray (promoted from second lieutenant Com
pany F to captain Company H) ; First Lieutenant, Calvin M. Dyer;
Second Lieutenant, Edward Simpson.
The above companies were organized at Camp Garber
and all sworn into the United States service for three years
or during the wyar. The Fourth Tennessee was not mus
tered at its organization owing to the fact that no mustering
officer was present to perform that duty. By this simple
process these patriotic citizens who had made their way
through the lines were converted into United States soldiers,
and were now subject to orders and discipline from all
COLONEL .JAMES P. BROWNLOW
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 21
superior officers. Colonel Johnson appointed the following
commissioned and non-commissioned staff officers : Adju
tant, Lieutenant James O. Berry ; Quartermaster, Lieutenant
Robert Howell ; Surgeon, Pleasant W. Logan ; Sergeant-
Major, M. C*. Williams.
These were the first line and staff officers, and as va
cancies occurred they were filled by promotion. No more
staff officers were elected or appointed for some time, be
cause the regiment was not filled up to a war standard. Uni
forms, blankets, knapsacks, haversacks, canteens and cook
ing utensils were issued to the men and active preparations
commenced to fit up the regiment for the field. All will
doubtless remember how strange and yet how proud most
of us felt when dressed for the first time in our bright, new
uniforms. But oh, the horrible misfits ! The pants were
either too long or too short, the hats too large or too small,
the coat-collars so high and stiff that we could scarcely turn
our heads at the command eyes right, or left, while the tips
of the fingers of a short-armed fellow could hardly be seen
on account of the length of the sleeves. If a long-armed fel
low drew a short-sleeved coat he never had to roll up his
sleeves for a fight.
Our first camp was on high ground and well laid out,
with a wride street between each row of tents. The big white
Sibley tents were well stretched and put up in parallel rows
as straight as a "bee-line," which added greatly to the ap
pearance of the camp. About fifty Harper Ferry muskets
were issued to the regiment for picket and guard duty, and
on discharging the piece there was almost as much danger
in the rear as at the muzzle, so great was the recoil. Camp
life was a new experience to the men and it took some little
time for the boys who had been accustomed to pleasure and
the comforts of pleasant homes to adapt themselves to the
various changes, but before the end of their first year's ser
vice they had learned by hard experience that camp life, no
matter how rigid the orders were, was one of ease and com
fort as compared with their experience at the front. Old
22 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
Mother Earth was our bed, and but little complaint was
heard among the men.
Military discipline was immediately commenced. There
were but very few of the officers or men in the regiment who
had any military knowledge, consequently the awkward
squad was always very large and well attended. The drum
mers beat reveille in the morning. This was followed by
roll-call, sick call, or "quinine-call," as the boys named it,
guard-mounting and drilling six hours each day.
On every hand it was, "Right face, left face, about face,
eyes right, eyes left, heads up. men, heads up, forward
march, backward march, company right wheel, left wheel,
halt, parade rest," day after day until the long, shuffling
gait was changed to the quick, firm step of a soldier. Our
camp was a long distance from the railroad, consequently all
of the supplies had to be transported in army wagons over
bad roads. Large working details were made from the regi
ment and sent to London, where the men built miles of dirt
and corduroy roads along Laurel river. All the worst places
received our careful attention, so that by the middle of May
the roads had sufficiently dried out so that our teams could
draw a well-loaded wagon to camp.
Here is where the government mule comes in for his
share of honor in helping to put down the rebellion. A mule
is a mule the world over, but none is equal to a government
mule. It was hard to get along with him, but it seemed
utterly impossible to get along without him. He endured
more abuse and insults than all of the army put together.
He never talked back, but would "kick back" in spite of
kind treatment. The army mule has never had justice done
him and it is doubtful if the war could have been carried on
without him. He fell in battle like other soldiers, and his
remains make the Q. M. mile-posts. Often after a hard
day's work in front of a U. S. wagon he made his supper
from dry leaves or dead grass, wTith the feed-box or wagon-
tongue for dessert.
It is only after the last army mule has passed beyond
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY.
23
the cruel treatment of the armv teamster that we begin to
appreciate how much we owe him. Let a monument be
built to the memory of the unpraised, unbreveted, unpen-
sioned army mule, the real hero of the war. The army mule
never dodges or runs from anything, as it has a battery of
its own, and is very effective at close range, seldom missing
its aim. Bands of music, the rattle of drums and the roar
of artillery have no effect on him, but like a true soldier he
stands his ground and makes his influence felt in many
ways.
In March, 1-862, General Buel, who at that time was in
command of the Department of the Ohio, issued an order for
the organization of another division, to be known as the
"Seventh Division, Army of the Ohio," and assigned as its
commander Brigadier-General Geo. W. Morgan, a veteran
officer who had seen service in the war with Mexico.
Early in April, Morgan moved a portion of his com
mand to Cumberland Ford, nine rniies southeast of Flat Lick,
and at once assummed command of all the troops then oper
ating in Eastern Kentucky. The Cumberland Valley was
almost destitute of supplies, the productions of that region
having been exhausted by the enemy the preceding year.
Forage for the teams and rations for the troops had to be
hauled from fifty to sixty miles, over almost impassable
roads. Heavy details were constantly employed upon the
main road and for a time it looked as though the regiment
would be compelled to battle with the mud instead of the
enemy. As the different regiments marched by, clad in their
bright, new uniforms, and with the bright barrels of their
Enfield rifles gleaming in the bright sunlight, we became
dissatisfied with our "job" and longed to break camp and
go to the front, as we did not enlist to work on the public
roads.
The first death in the regiment was Joel M. Jarvis, Com
pany B, who died of measles at Barboursville, Kentucky,
April 12, 1862.
How our memory lingers around our first camp as we
24 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
recall the many pleasant days spent at Camp Garber while
recruiting was going on, and the men put through the drill
so essential for troops that are to take the field. Rumors
frequently reached camp that the regiment would soon re
ceive marching orders. The routine duty consisted of six
hours' drill each day, with dress parade, guard and picket
duty.
The following promotion and appointment were made
in the Fourth Tennessee : Adjutant James O. Berry was pro
moted to major, and John Hall, of Knoxville, was appointed
adjutant.
Early in May, General C. L. Stevenson, who was hold
ing Cumberland Gap with a Confederate force of six or
eight thousand men, moved up and made an attack on Gen
eral Morgan's camp. At midnight an order reached Colonel
Johnson's camp. The order was for him to move his regi
ment at once in light marching order. The officers passed
from tent to tent and yelled out: "Strike tents and fall in,
boys !" The men crawled out immediately and fell into line.
The whole camp was wild with excitement, but no order
was ever more quickly or cheerfully obeyed.
The Fourth Tennessee up to this time had not been
armed, though the guns were then at Flat Lick, but had not
been issued to the men. The teams were harnessed and in a
short time were on the way to Flat Lick for the guns. On
returning to camp the boxes were opened and soon the bright
barrels of the Austrian rifles were seen flashing in the light
of the blazing camp-fires. Twenty rounds of ammunition
were issued to each man and about 2 a. m. the regiment left
camp and, marching through Flat Lick, took the main road
leading to Cumberland Ford. A drenching rain set in shortly
after leaving camp, making marching very unpleasant and
laborious. The night was of an inky blackness and the road
rough and slippery, and every now and then a comrade
would lose his footing and fall sprawling in the mud. This
would provoke a laugh, and during that night's march the
Third Commandment was no doubt often violated.
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 25
But the regiment trudged along through the rain and
mud and by 8 a. m. reached Cumberland Ford, hungry, hag
gard, and somewhat dilapidated, and found the Union camp
in excitement and the troops under arms. The attack proved
to be only a feint, and after some light skirmishing the enemy
fell back and all was again "quiet along the Cumberland."
The Fourth Tennessee was halted, guns stacked and the
troops ordered to cook breakfast, which consisted of hot
coffee, bacon broiled on pointed sticks and laid out on
crackers — familiarly known as "hard tack" — and what a
breakfast it was, to hungry soldiers.
This was a new experience, and as soon as this hasty
meal was disposed of the men lay down on the wet ground
and soon welcome sleep blotted out the recollections of the
night march. Late in the afternoon the wagons reached the
regiment, a camp was selected and tents put up, and while
admiring the location and beautiful appearance of our second
camp an order came to strike tents and march at once to
Woodbine, about thirty-eight miles northwest' of Cumber
land Ford. This move was made to head off John H. Mor
gan, the daring Confederate raider, who was reported to be
moving toward Morgan's line of communication.
The Fourth Tennessee was now about to enter upon its
first campaign, and it is rather a singular fact that all of the
first marches should be made at night, but like true soldiers
the men sadly but resolutely obeyed the order, and without
rest from the hard and fatiguing march of the preceding
night marched out singing, "Hoe your cakes and scratch your
gravel, In Dixie's land we are bound to travel." There was
but little complaint in the ranks, and the cheerfulness with
which the men responded to duty laid a foundation on
which the splendid record was built during its three years'
service.
Colonel Johnson moved his regiment from camp late in
the afternoon of the 7th and marched all night, reaching Bar-
boursville the next morning. Here a short halt was made to
allow the men to rest and prepare breakfast, after which
26 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
the march was resumed, and by the middle of the afternoon
the regiment reached Woodbine. Colonel Johnson selected
his camp near a large spring and in a beautiful orchard. The
trees were in full bloom and old Mother Earth richly car
peted, while from among the blooming trees the merry song
sters enlivened the evenings with their sweet music. Pickets
were thrown out on all the roads and once more the Fourth
Tennessee, tired and foot-sore, settled down in camp.
While at this place the regiment had its first alarm, and
the prompt manner in which the boys turned out would have
put to shame a veteran organization. Colonel Johnson had
previously instructed the pickets, and between midnight and
day the men were aroused by their officers and sharp firing on
the picket line. The officers were shouting to the men, "Fall
in ! Fall in ! We are attacked !" and as we were expecting
to be attacked by John H. Morgan none but the officers knew
any better. Every man was up in an instant, and seizing
his musket and the first article of clothing that was handiest,
rushed for the parade-ground, some dressing as they ran,
while others fell into line without shoes or hats on.
By this time the firing had reached the colonel's quar
ters, and he and his staff came on the gallop to the place
where the regiment was being formed, and immediately or
dered it to double-quick down the Somerset road, with Com
pany C, Captain Jim Brownlow commanding, in the ad
vance. After moving down the road about half a mile, Col
onel Johnson halted the regiment and formed it in line of
battle across the road. All this time the men in the ranks
were wondering why the order to load was not given. After
standing in line of battle for about an hour, Colonel Johnson
marched the regiment back to camp and ordered the men to
sleep on their arms the remainder of the night; and it is
doubtful if ever there was a more wide-awake regiment than
the Fourth Tennessee during the rest of the night.
The regiment remained at this place until the middle of
May, during which time it kept up its daily drill and dress
parade. On the I5th, Colonel Johnson was ordered to move
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 27
his regiment to London, eighteen miles north of Woodbine.
Camp was broken at dark and after a very hard night's
march over a rough and hilly country the Fourth Tennes
see reached London at 8 o'clock the next morning and went
into camp on the left of the town. Nothing worthy of men
tion occurred at this place, our time being spent in skirmish
drill and target practice.
From this place the Fourth Tennessee was ordered to
Barboursville, a beautiful little town located on the road
leading to Cumberland Gap and twenty-five miles from Lon
don. This march was made in daylight. The regiment lay
here until the first of June. General Morgan now began the
concentration of his army at Cumberland Ford for his pro
posed move upon Cumberland Gap, as enough of supplies
had been collected to warrant him in making this move. The
first of June, Colonel Johnson was ordered to move his regi
ment to Cumberland Ford and here the Twenty-fifth Brigade
was organized.
The Seventh Division as originally organized was com
posed of four brigades of infantry, one regiment of cavalry,
four batteries of artillery, with engineer and signal corps
attached, as follows :
Twenty-fourth Brigade, Brigadier-General S. P. Carter
commanding: ist Tenn., Colonel R. K. Byrd; 2nd Tenn.,
Colonel J. P. T. Carter; ;th Ky., Colonel T. T. Garrard;
49th Ind., Colonel James Kegwin.
Twenty-fifth Brigade, Brigadier-General Jas. G. Spears
commanding: 3rd Tenn., Colonel L. C. Houk ; 4th Tenn.,
Colonel Robert Johnson; 5th Tenn., Colonel Jas. T. Shelly;
6th Tenn., Colonel Joseph A. Cooper.
Twenty-sixth Brigade, Colonel John F. De Courcey
commanding: i6th Ohio, Lieutenant-Colonel G. W. Bailey;
22nd Ky., Colonel D. W. Lindsey ; 42nd Ohio, Colonel L. A.
Sheldon.
Twenty-seventh Brigade, Brigadier-General A. Baird
commanding: 33rd Ind., Colonel John Coburn; I4th Ky.,
Colonel J. C. Cochran ; iQth Ky., Colonel W. J. Landrum ;
6th Ky. Cavalry, Colonel Reuben Monday.
28 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
Artillery: 1st Wis. Battery, Captain J. T. Foster, six
2O-pound Parrott guns; 7th Mich. Battery, Captain C. H.
Lanphere, six 6-pound Rodman guns ; Qth Ohio Battery,
Captain Wetmore, two 2O-pounders and two 12-pound How
itzers ; eight heavy seige guns. Lieutenant Dan Webster.
Engineer Corps, Captain W. F. Patterson.
Signal Corps, Lieutenant H. G. Fisher, three officers and
ten men.
Morgan's division had an aggregate strength of twelve
thousand five hundred men, the majority of whom were new
troops, but brave and resolute. Later on in the war the
troops composing the division made gallant records in the
armies of the Tennessee, Cumberland and Ohio. Upon their
victorious banners were inscribed the battles of Vicksburg,
Donelson, Shiloh, Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, Resaca,
Picket's Mill, Kennesaw Mt., Peachtree Creek, Ezra Church,
Franklin, Nashville and a score more of important battles
fought by the men composing this division.
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY.
CHAPTER II.
CUMBERLAND GAP — MORGAN'S CAMPAIGN — THE STRONGHOLD
FALLS — OPERATIONS AROUND THE GAP — HARD SERVICE
AND SHORT RATIONS — BI$ CREEK GAP.
This was a large army to be maintained in a mountain
ous country, the inhabitants producing scarcely enough for
their own use, much less to feed an army, and to take from
them seemed like robbery. It was about eighty miles to the
nearest depot of supplies and the greater portion of that dis
tance was through a hilly country. The only means of trans
portation was army wagons and the roads were so bad that
the teams could not make more than ten to twelve miles a day.
This was an undertaking of more than ordinary magnitude,
but General Morgan and his army were patient under the
circumstances and by the first of June enough of supplies had
been accumulated to warrant Morgan in entering upon his
proposed campaign, the objective point being the capture of
Cumberland Gap, one of the most noted in the great Cumber
land range.
From scouts and reconnoissances made toward this
stronghold, Morgan learned that the Gap was well fortified
and held by five or six thousand troops, under the command
of General Stevenson. This information led Morgan to
abandon his contemplated attack in front and force Steven
son to evacuate the Gap by a flank movement. It is exceed
ingly doubtful if the place could have been carried by a direct
assault, on account of the roughness of the approaches.
The country over which Morgan's army marched in this
great flank movement was exceedingly rough and molmtain-
ous, and to one who has never passed over the route it would
be very hard to imagine the difficulties to be overcome in
30 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
transporting cannon and a heavy baggage train over it. It
is a short day's march from Cumberland Ford to Cumberland
Gap, but to reach the latter place by Big Creek Gap would
require at least ten to twelve clays of hard marching over
almost impassable roads, a distance of one hundred miles.
The only gaps that could be crossed by an army encum
bered with artillery and heavily loaded wagons were Big
Creek and Rogers Gaps, and toward these Morgan marched
his army in two columns of two brigades each. Big Creek
Gap is thirty-eight miles nearly due west from Cumberland
C^ap and thirty-six miles from Cumberland Ford. These
gaps were all blockaded and a small force stationed at each
one to watch the movements of the Union army. General
H. K. Smith was in command of the Department of East
Tennessee and had placed General Barton with his division
near the mouth of Big Creek Gap on the south side to pre
vent Morgan's troops from crossing at this gap.
All of Morgan's division was at Cumberland Ford ex
cept Spears' brigade, which at that time was encamped near
Boston, Kentucky. A floating bridge was built across Cum
berland River and the army moved to the south side. Gen
eral Spears' brigade — except the Fourth Tennessee Volun
teers — was ordered to the foot of Pine Mountain, on the Big
Creek Gap road, for the purpose of removing the blockade.
In order to deceive the enemy at Cumberland Gap, a feint
was made in that direction to cover the movements on Rogers
and Big Creek Gaps.
On the Qth day of June, the Fourth Tennessee broke
camp at Cumberland Ford and marched with General Car
ter's brigade — to which -it was at that time temporarily at
tached — to the old Moss house on the Cumberland Gap road,
where the whole command bivouacked for the night. The
next morning we were joined by Captain Lanphere's Sev
enth Michigan Battery, after which the entire brigade and
battery moved a short distance on the Clear Creek road and
encamped for the night.
Resuming the march the next day the brigade marched
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 31
on to Boston by way of Lambdin's, where it bivouacked for
the night. We experienced great trouble in getting our
wagons and the artillery over the almost impassable roads.
On the morning of the I3th, General Carter was ordered to
move his brigade through Big Creek Gap and join Morgan
at Rogers Gap in Powell's Valley. The command was
moved out early on the morning of the i^th, and as the day
wore away the long drawn-out column of weary troops could
be seen tramping along cheerfully toward Pine Mountain,
believing when the summit was reached the road would be
better.
The march, however, was relieved of much of its tedi-
ousness by the grandeur of the scenery. This was an exceed
ingly hard day on the men as well as the horses and mules,
but by the united exertion of the troops the wagons and ar
tillery were safely taken across Pine Mountain, though the
men and horses were greatly fatigued.
Early on the morning of he I5th, General Carter re
ceived a dispatch from General Spears at Big Creek Gap
stating that his brigade was attacked, and requesting him to
move immediately to his support. The troops were ordered
into line and in a short time the column was under way, and
so eager were the men to meet the enemy that they forgot
the hard and tedious marches of the preceding days, pushed
forward and reached General Spears' position, ten miles dis
tant, by noon. When Carter's troops reached Spears at Big
Creek Gap all was quiet, his troops having repulsed the
enemy, which proved to be a part of General Barton's com
mand. Heavy details were made to assist the teams in over
coming the ascents and descents of this mountainous coun
try.
The road — as it was called — was rough and full of huge
boulders, and at some places was very steep, narrow and
winding, in fact at places it seemed utterly impossible to pass
by safely. At places where the road was so crooked and full
of boulders there was great danger of the artillery and
wagons being precipitated down the almost perpendicular
32 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
banks of jagged rocks at places almost a hundred feet high,
meaning death to man or beast if they toppled over these
yawning chasms. But by doubling the teams and the troops
tugging at ropes, block and tackle, this great task was ac
complished with but slight loss. The heaviest siege guns
weighed eight thousand pounds and the reader can form his
own conclusions of the magnitude of the undertaking.
On reaching Big Creek Gap, Colonel Johnson was or
dered to join Spears' brigade, the one to which the regiment
belonged. On the following morning the line of march was
taken up and the Fourth Tennessee, with the remainder of
the army, moved up Powell's Valley to Rogers' Gap, where
it bivouacked for the night. As we marched up the valley
the loyal people lined the road and gave us a warm greeting,
and the frequent outbursts of joy at the sight of the old flag
and the marching soldiers led us to believe that the greet
ing was from true Unionists. At Rogers' Gap, Morgan
again united his army. The brigades of De Courcey and
Baird had moved from Cumberland Ford toward Cumber
land Gap, and after a slight demonstration in front of that
stronghold, moved to Rogers' Gap, and after removing the
blockade, crossed the mountain and marched out into Pow
ell's Valley. On the approach of Morgan's troops at Big
Creek and Rogers' Gaps, Barton moved rapidly up the valley
toward Cumberland Gap.
General Morgan had quietly turned Stevenson's left
flank and his army was now all on the south side of the
mountain and nineteen miles west of Cumberland Gap. Mor
gan was now between Stevenson and Smith, and decided to
advance upon Cumberland Gap before Kirby Smith could
concentrate his forces at that point or fight him in the field.
Morgan issued orders for his division to move at I a. m. on
the 1 8th for the purpose of attacking the enemy, who was
then said to be encamped in force at or near the Thomas
farm, about nine miles from Rogers' Gap.
The army moved forward in two columns of two brigades
each, on almost parallel roads running from near Rogers'
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 33
Gap and intersecting at Thomas'. Carter's and Spears' bri
gades moved along the new valley road, De Courcey and
Baird on the old valley road, but before the two columns
reached the Thomas farm the enemy abandoned it and fled
in great confusion toward Cumberland Gap. After a short
rest the two columns were united and the army continued the
march up the valley toward the Gap. Late in the afternoon
the army came in sight of Cumberland Gap, and Morgan
was about to begin deploying his troops for an attack when
the scouts sent out by him returned and reported this great
stronghold abandoned.
This great military prize fell by Morgan's strategy after
a brief campaign made under the most severe and trying dif
ficulties, and before the close of the day — i8th — the Seventh
Division marched in and took possession. Everything indi
cated a hasty retreat. Stevenson threw five or six heavy
cannon down the cliffs, besides several left in position. All
of his tents were slitted and left standing. A large amount
of stores and army supplies were destroyed, but quite a lot
fell into our hands not injured. On taking possession of
the Gap a national salute was fired in honor of its capture,
by Foster's battery, from the summit, while from the pin
nacle the Stars and Stripes could be seen floating high above
our heads, its silken folds being kissed by the mountain
breeze.
"Forever float that standard sheet,
Where breathes the foe that falls before us,
With freedom's soil beneath our feet,
And freedom's banner streaming o'er us."
Iii his report of the Cumberland Gap campaign, General
Morgan says : "The result secured by strategy is less bril
liant than a victory gained amid the storm and hurricane of
battle, but humanity has gained all that glory has lost, and I
am satisfied."
The following order from the Department Commander
will give the reader an idea of his high appreciation of this
bloodless victorv :
34 HISTORY OF FIRST RF.GIMENT
HEADQUARTERS AR^Y 01? THE OHIO,
Htmtsville, Ala., July n, 1862.
GENERAL ORDERS No. 29.
The General commanding the Army of the Ohio takes pleasure
in announcing the success of an arduous and hazardous campaign by
the Seventh Division, Brigadier-General George W. Morgan com
manding, by which the enemy's fortified position at Cumberland Gap
was turned and his forces compelled to retreat as our troops ad
vanced to attack. The General commanding thanks General Morgan
and the troops of the Seventh Division for the ability displayed in
the operations against this important stronghold and for the energy,
fortitude and cheerfulness which they exhibited in their struggle with
difficulties of the most formidable magnitude for an army.
By command of MAJOR-GENERAL BUEL.
* JAS. B. FRY,
/ Colonel and Chief of Staff.
General Morgan placed his troops in and around the
Gap and began the construction of such works as seemed
necessary for the protection of his army from an attack from
the south. Cumberland Gap, which has been by some one
denominated the "Gibraltar of America," was famous long
before the thunder of Confederate guns were heard at Fort
Sumter. It was through this noted pass that Daniel Boone,
the great hunter and explorer, crossed on his way to the
"Blue Grass State," and was also one of the first points garri
soned in this section by the Confederates in 1861. It is situ
ated at the point of junction between three States. By the
side of the road on the south side and near the summit stands
a stone which marks the corner of three States — Tennessee,
Virginia and Kentucky. Some of the boys declared that they
could stand in three States at once by placing themselves on
the top of this noted corner-stone.
During the war it was held by both armies, and was a
position of great importance, it being a great natural gate
way and key to the States of Tennessee, Kentucky and Vir
ginia. This noted mountain pass is one of the deepest clefts
in the great Cumberland range, and is at least one thousand
feet higher than the base, while on each side its lofty peaks
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 35
tower at least one thousand feet higher. Through this gap
cannon and heavily laden army wagons could cross without
difficulty, besides it was the main gateway to the center of the
Confederacy, for only a short distance south was the main
and most important railroad which connects Richmond with
the Gulf States. This was the road on which the Unionists
of East Tennessee burned so many bridges.
It is also noted for its many springs of pure, sparkling
water that leaps and jumps down its rugged sides. The one
on the south side furnishes power for a busy mill that stood
at the southern base, which did constant duty for the Con
federate as well as the Union army early in the war. It was
burned by a detachment of the Second Tennessee Volunteers,
led by Major Dan Carpenter, in 1863. Morgan's division
were the first Union troops to carry the old flag across these
rugged mountains and to enter this great stronghold. The
peak to the east is much the highest, and from this dizzy
point a magnificent view of the States of Tennessee, Ken
tucky and Virginia may be had, while away in the blue, hazy
distance the great Blue Ridge range and the beautiful Chil-
howee may be seen.
General Morgan established his headquarters on the
south side of the Gap, at Dr. Morrison's residence, a short
distance east of the Tazewell road. General Spears' brigade
was encamped still east of Morgan's headquarters and near
the Virginia road. Drills and parades that had been given
up during the campaign were revived, and some days the
level space at the foot of the mountain was completely cov
ered with troops, all going through different movements.
Early in July, General Morgan sent Spears' brigade four
miles northeast of the Gap into Lee county, Virginia, to
watch the enemy and collect forage. The camp was on the
Virginia road, near Woodson's Creek, and was named "Camp
Morgan," in honor of General Geo. W. Morgan, command-
ig the Seventh Division, Army of the Ohio. This was the
first time that the entire brigade had ever been in camp to
gether since its organization.
36 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
Camp life at this place was made up of picketing, scout
ing, skirmishing, drills and parades. Some of the outposts
were under the rugged peaks of the mountain, and as the
weary sentinel stood quietly on the lonely picket-post with
his faithful musket by his side the whispering pines were
lonesome companions. As the enemy were in close prox
imity to our camp, great care and diligence was required to
prevent surprise, for we had no cavalry to do outpost duty.
One of the picket posts was well up to the foot of the
mountain, and one dark night the picket, who was wide
awake and with eagle eye was peering into the darkness to
detect the form of a man or an animal that he heard in his
front. He did not want to arouse the reserves, nor did he
want to be captured, so at last, tired of further suspense, he
fired into the darkness. This shot aroused the reserves, as
well as the old government mule that was quietly approach
ing his supposed friend. With lowered head and tail ex
tended he dashed madly by the picket, and the reserves, be
lieving him to be harmless, refused to fire. Soon all became
quiet and no further alarm occurred during the night. The
faithful sentinel, when asked why he fired upon the defence
less mule, remarked that it had no business outside the picket
line without the countersign. In some way this mule had
gone beyond the picket line unobserved, possibly in search of
something to satisfy his craving appetite, and returning after
dark was fired upon without being challenged.
The whole camp was kept guarded night and day, the
beats were numbered and at intervals during the night each
sentinel was required to call out the number of his beat or
post in the following manner, beginning with post number
one: "Four o'clock and post number one all right." The
sentinel on beat number two would in like manner call out
his number, this was followed by the next one and continued
until the round was made, and if a sentinel failed to respond
the corporal of the guard was sent to find out the trouble.
This was a new experience to the men composing the
Twenty-fifth Brigade, and this system of camp guard was
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY.
37
the work of the fertile brain of General Spears, our brigade
commander. It is doubtful if there was another brigade in
the whole army that maintained such a system around its
camp, yet it served his purpose well and kept many a sleepy-
headed sentinel awake while on duty. The men and most
of the officers were without military experience and as our
camp was located in the enemy's country, vigilance was a
necessity, and be it said to the credit of General Spears that
his camp was never surprised, though hardly a day passed
without a brush with the enemy somewhere on the picket
line.
Late in the afternoon of the 5th of August, General
Spears' camp was thrown into great excitement by an order
from General Morgan directing the Twenty-fifth Brigade to
march at once to the relief of De Courcey's brigade at Taze-
well, Tennessee. De Courcey had been sent by Morgan to
Tazewell for the purpose of capturing a lot of supplies stored
at that place by the enemy. The Fourth Tennessee left camp
at dark and marched with the remainder of the brigade in
light marching order toward Tazewell. Spears moved his
troops rapidly along the dusty road and on reaching Powell's
River, six miles from Cumberland Gap, met De Courcey fall
ing back.
Part of De Courcey's brigade was pretty roughly hand
led. While the wagons were being loaded, Stevenson's di
vision made an attack on his brigade, but he held his position
against great odds until the two hundred wagons he had
taken with him were loaded and well on their way toward the
Gap. In this engagement Colonel G. W. Gordon, Eleventh
Tennessee Volunteers, C. S. A., was captured by the Six
teenth Ohio of De Courcey's brigade. After a short rest the
two brigades returned to camp.
It was while the Fourth Tennessee lay at Camp Morgan
and during the sharp and almost continuous picket fighting
that Captain Brownlow, of Company C, began to develop
such fine soldierly qualities that later on made him famous
as a "fighter." The daily picket fighting gave him splendid
38 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
opportunities and he soon won for himself a brilliant reputa
tion as a brave and determined leader. When the regiment
was organized at Flat Lick the office of lieutenant-colonel
was left vacant, and up to this position James P. Brownlow,
captain of Company C, the youngest captain in the regiment,
was promoted. He was the youngest son of Rev. W. G.
Brownlow, of Knoxville, more familiarly known as Parson
Brownlow, one of the leading Unionists of East Tennessee
and editor and proprietor of Brownlow's Knoxville Whig.
Captain Bro \vnlow was just nineteen years old when he was
promoted to lieutenant-colonel of the Fourth Tennessee Vol
unteers. He was tall and well proportioned, with keen, pene
trating, gray eyes. He was a soldier of fine ability, full of
enterprise, energy and courage. He was never heard to say
"Go, boys," but always, "Come on, boys !" Agreeable in his
manners and accessible to all, he was strictly honorable in
all of his dealings with men and the government.
First Lieutenant M. T. Burkhart was promoted to cap
tain, and Second Lieutenant E. J. Cannon to first lieutenant.
First Sergeant J. K. Lones was promoted to second lieu
tenant.
About the middle of August, General Spears' brigade
was ordered back to the Gap. The occupation of Cumber
land Gap by the Union army shortened the distance and
greatly reduced the chances of capture by the enemy of the
East Tennessee Unionists, \vho now came to the Gap by hun
dreds, leaving behind fathers, mothers, wives and sisters.
These loyal men came to enlist, and soon the ranks of all
the Tennessee regiments were full and the Second, Third
and Fourth Cavalry were beginning to receive recruits.
From the loyal citizens three more companies were recruited
for the regiment, as follows :
COMPANY G.
Captain, I. C. Leger; First Lieutenant, W. W. Mosier; Second
Lieutenant, H. K. Fields.
COMPANY I.
Captain, Abraham Hammond ; First Lieutenant, W. A. Kidwell ;
Second Lieutenant, Jas. H. Elkins.
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 39
COMPANY K.
Captain, Burton Smith; First Lieutenant, Nelson Bowman;
Second Lieutenant, Alexander M. Smith.
This made the ten companies and brought the Fourth
Tennessee up to the government standard for an infantry
regiment, and each company retained the same letter and
position during the service, with A on the right and then
the other companies from right to left, in the following
order: F, D, I, C, H, E, K, G and B.
The Fourth Tennessee had been without a chaplain up
to this time, and no doubt it was a most fortunate thing, as
the regiment now had an opportunity of procuring the service
of an able Christian gentleman. Among those who made
their escape and came through the lines to our camp was
Rev. John P. Holtsinger, a Cumberland Presbyterian min
ister of Greeneville, and at the request of Colonel Johnson the
commissioned officers voted for and unanimously elected him
chaplain of the regiment. He was a model Christian, intelli
gent, kind and brave, and the noble example that he set be
fore the men composing the regiment was worthy of emu
lation. The profound confidence that the men had in him in
camp as well as upon the battlefield was such that he was
called the "Father of the Regiment." He was always pres
ent on the field of battle, in the midst of danger and death, to
speak words of comfort to the wounded and dying, and one
of the best evidences of his popularity and worth is that he
"stuck" to us to the end.
Shortly after the occupation of Cumberland Gap by Gen
eral Morgan's forces, Lieutenant VV. P. Craighill, of the En
gineer Corps, was sent to the Gap and commenced the con
struction of such defensive works as would assure the safety
of the position with a small force. These works were built
on the south side, and so situated that should this great
stronghold fall into the hands of the enemy they could not
be used in an attack from the north side. In the construction
of these works large details were made from the different
40 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
regiments to build them. General Smith did not withdraw
his forces very far from the Gap after its fall. General Stev
enson's division remained in close proximity, and the re
mainder of Smith's troops were stationed at other points
more or less remote.
About the I5th of August, General Spears was ordered
to Wallace's Cross Roads, eighteen miles north of Knoxville,
for the purpose of breaking up a Confederate camp at that
place. Spears moved his brigade through the Gap to the
north side of the mountain and then turning west marched
down the north side to Big Creek Gap. This camp was
about fifty to sixty miles from Cumberland Gap, direct route,
and was considered a dangerous movement, as almost the
whole distance lay within the enemy's line and was made
without the aid of cavalry. But in the ranks of Spears' bri
gade there were scores of men who were well acquainted
with the country through which he was to march.
From Big Creek Gap, Spears turned south and moved
rapidly toward Robbins' Ford, on Clinch River. This ford
is something near six miles below the junction of Powell's
river with Clinch, and about five miles from Wallace's Cross
Roads. This was before the day of pontoons in the Army
of the Ohio, and to the men in the ranks there seemed but
one way to cross. The troops pulled off their shoes and
placed them and their cartridge-boxes and belts on the muz
zles of their guns so as to keep them dry, and while waiting
for orders to cross some freak of memory suggested that
grand old hymn:
"On Jordan's stormy banks I starid,
And cast a wishful eye."
It was. however, a season of the year when the water
was not cold and the boys rather enjoyed the bath, but were
a little slow to enter the stream at the start. From this point
Spears pushed on and at noon reached the enemy's camp,
which he completely surprised.
The Confederates were quietly cooking their dinner, not
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 41
thinking for a moment that there was a Yankee in fifty miles
of them. They were routed and fled in all directions, leav
ing their warm dinner for us, and sixty-five men killed,
wounded and captured, besides several horses and mules and
a lot of guns and camp equipage.
Spears' brigade was now within eighteen miles of Knox-
ville, the home of many of his men. From loyal citizens we
learned- afterwards that this movement of Spears produced
the wildest confusion in Knoxville and that the enemy ex
pected the "despised Yankees" at any moment. Spears' bri
gade was composed wholly of Tennessee troops, and many
of the men were almost in sight of their homes, but were not
permitted to leave the ranks for fear of being captured.
General Spears returned by the same route without the
loss of a man. Feed for the mules and artillery horses was
scarce and frequent foraging expeditions were sent out under
an infantry escort for the purpose of collecting feed, and
often a lively skirmish would take place over a disputed corn
field.
General Morgan endeavored to provoke Stevenson to
give battle, but without success. His troops often advanced
to his camp, surprised and captured his outposts, but was
unable to bring on an engagement. Toward the last of
August, General E. K. Smith moved with the greater part of
his army into Kentucky, by way of Big Creek Gap, and took
up a strong position near Big Hill and Richmond. This sud
den and unexpected movement of Smith completely cut Mor
gan off from his base of supplies, and anticipating the total
exhaustion of his supplies on hand before communication
could be restored, he was compelled to put his troops on half
rations and made preparation to hold out to the last ex
tremity. The Third Tennessee, Third Kentucky and Mun-
day's cavalry were sent to aid a column organized for the
relief of his troops, but were attacked at London and Big
Hill before being united with the other troops, and after a
sharp engagement were routed and forced to return. In this
engagement the Third Tennessee, of our brigade, met with
considerable loss, especially at Big Hill.
42 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
Early in September, W. S. Reynolds, the noted and dar
ing Tennessee scout and hero of three wars, reached General
Morgan's headquarters and informed him that a well-
equipped detachment of the enemy, said to be McAfee's
Kentucky cavalry, would leave Knoxville for Kentucky in a
few days by way of Big Creek Gap. General Spears was
ordered to send a detachment of picked men, under a brave
and resolute officer. Four hundred men were selected from
the brigade and placed under the command of Colonel Jos.
A. Cooper, Sixth Tennessee Volunteers. Colonel Cooper
moved his command to the north side of the mountain early
on the morning of September 7, in light marching order,
and at once moved toward Big Creek Gap as rapidly as the
nature of the country would admit.
In going this route, Cooper's little army had to cross
Log Mountain, wrhich was exceedingly rough, but by night
over half of the distance had been covered. We were mov
ing over almost the same route taken by Spears' brigade a
few weeks before in the move on Wallace's Cross Roads.
Colonel Cooper's command bivouacked in the mountain, and
early the next morning was pushed rapidly toward Big Creek
Gap, which was not reached a moment too soon. Colonel
Cooper had scarcely time to form his men in line of battle
before the enemy was reported to be moving toward the Gap.
They were marching along without an advance guard, chat
ting together unmindful of the fate that aw^aited them, and
the first intimation they had of our presence was when their
eyes caught sight of a line of blue coats in line of battle
across the road they were moving upon.
The troops in front opened fire, while the remainder of
Cooper's men charged upon them from all sides, and after
a short but spirited engagement the enemy surrendered.
The Confederates were well mounted and splendidly
equipped, each man being armed writh a good double-bar
reled shotgun, revolver and saber. They were mounted on
magnificent horses, while in their ranks \vere men from dif
ferent States. The day was exceedingly warm and most of
GENERAL .JOSEPH A. COOPER
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 43
the men had taken off their coats to avoid the heat, their
bright red shirts making good targets for the boys.
Out of one hundred and nine men, only one made his
escape, and he was said to have been wounded. In this
engagement Colonel McAfee and ninety-five officers and
men \vere captured, while ten of the enemy were left dead
upon the field, among them an aide-de-camp of General
Smith and two captains. Cooper's men also captured ninety-
eight horses besides arms and equipments. There were no
casualties in Colonel Cooper's command, and this was no
doubt due to the admirable manner in which he placed his
men. He returned to the Gap with the prisoners and cap
tured property, having marched eighty miles in four days,
over mountains and hills and roads almost impassable. On
our return, General Morgan issued the following order,
which was read to his troops at dress parade.
HEADQUARTERS FORCES OE THE UNITED STATES,
Cumberland Gap, September 12, 1862.
GENERAL ORDER No. 88.
The commanding General has again the pleasure of announcing
to his troops the achievements of a handful of their comrades at Big
Creek Gap, on the 8th inst. After having blockaded the approaches
to Big Creek Gap, Colonel Cooper, with a force consisting of four
hundred men of the Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Regiments, Ten
nessee Volunteers, met and routed a force of the enemy's cavalry,
killing several, and captured ninety-five prisoners, eighty-seven horses
and mules, with a quantity of arms and equipments and a rebel mail,
which was being taken to Kentucky on the same day. Colonel Cooper
speaks in the highest terms of the gallantry of his officers and men.
The commanding General congratulates the Tennessee troops on the
laurels won by their comrades.
By command of GENERAL MORGAN.
CHAS. O. JOLIN, A. A. G.
It is with pride and pleasure that the commanding General pub
lishes the above order. It is a source of pleasure to him to bestow
his thanks and praise upon Colonel Cooper and the brave officers and
men of his command, who so gallantly and conspicuously achieved
the victory at Big Creek Gap. The commanding General gives them
all praise and honor.
By command of GENERAL SPEARS.
D. C. TREWHITT, A. A. G.
44 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
In this expedition Captain Lane, of Company D, com
manded the detachment from the Fourth Tennessee. One
of his lieutenants was E. J. Cannon, of Company C. Both
fell in battle later on. The other the writer is unable to
recall.
All this time the rations were getting shorter, with no
prospects of a fresh supply, not even from the country. Gen
eral Morgan kept his troops busy during the month they were
shut up in the Gap in strengthening the fortifications and
foraging. The Confederates were so close that the foraging
was limited to the cornfields near the Gap. The subsistence
consisted of half rations of rice and beans, but our short
rations were pieced out by green corn, the government mule
taking the stalks. The supply of grain for the horses and
mules was getting shorter each day, and to hold out much
longer they would be unable to haul off the artillery and
wagons. To hold out and wait for starvation to force a sur
render would give the enemy twelve thousand prisoners,
twenty-six cannon, besides thousands of small arms and a
large quantity of ammunition.
We were now realizing the stern realities of war, but
the boys were patient under the circumstances and responded
to duty cheerfully. Before leaving the Gap, and for want of
suitable ammunition, the Fourth Tennessee exchanged their
Austrian rifles for big, clumsy Belgian muskets, after which
the boys decided that every man would need a pack-mule to
carry his ammunition, so large was the calibre of this gun.
On the i Qth day of August, Morgan telegraphed Hal-
lick as follows : "This position shall not be yielded while we
have a pound of meat or an ounce of powder." There were
several false alarms while Morgan was shut up in the Gap,
and when they occurred the Fourth Tennessee would grab
their guns and jump into the rifle-pits just above the road.
On several occasions the enemy moved up in sight of the
Gap and made some show of attack, but never made the at
tempt during our stay. The artillery was well posted and
being on such a high elevation the gunners were able to drop
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 45
their shells with wonderful precision. When the enemy evac
uated the Gap they threw one of their heavy siege guns over
the cliff on the left of the Gap. General Morgan set a detail
of men to work and in a few days this splendid gun was in
position and doing work for "Uncle Sam." It was a 62-
pound rifled gun, and owing to its great length the boys
called it "Long Tom/' Every time this gun was fired we
could hear the huge shell passing through the air high above
our heads, the exploding shell making almost as much noise
as the discharge.
The future looked gloomy and dark, and no wonder
the men became restive and often remarked to each other,
"Will we have to surrender, or retreat?" The men fully
understood the situation and determined to do their duty.
Numerous flags of truce were sent by the enemy, demanding
the surrender of the Gap, but were not even considered by
the commander of the United States forces.
46 , HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
CHAPTER III.
MORGAN'S FAMOUS RETREAT — FATIGUING MARCH — HARRASSED
BY THE ENEMY — MARCHING UNDER DIFFICULTIES — CAMP
UFE ON THE OHIO CAMP DENNISON IN 1 862.
It was only when Bragg invaded Kentucky and com
pletely cut off all supplies that General Morgan determined
to withdraw from his stronghold. On the I4th a council of
war was held at Morgan's headquarters to determine the
advisability of the evacuation of Cumberland Gap, as matters
were growing more serious every day. After a lengthy coun
cil, in which all matters of importance were thoroughly dis
cussed in detail, it was thought advisable by those present
that the best thing to do under the existing circumstances
would be the evacuation of the Gap.
Notwithstanding the state of affairs at the Gap, the
troops received the order to abandon the position with con
siderable indignation and regret, many believing that the
place could be held until relief would reach them. All prop
erty that could not be taken away was to be destroyed, and
the next day the destruction beg#n. Wagons, ambulances,
camp-kettles and mess-pans that could not be taken away
.were destroyed. Tents were slitted and left standing. The
heavy siege guns were disabled and thrown over the cliff.
All surplus guns and ammunition were thrown into the
magazine on the north side and to the left of the Gap. The
roads and cliffs were mined and sufficient powder placed
under each to insure a complete blockade when the match
was applied. Great secrecy was required of those engaged
in the execution of this work in order that the enemy might
be deceived as to Morgan's movement and his intention of
evacuating his position.
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 47
The wagons and a portion of the artillery left on the
evening of the i6th, under an infantry escort, followed later
on by the whole division. The Fourth Tennessee, with the
remainder of the brigade, left its camp on the Virginia road
just under the pinnacle at 9 p. m., September 17, and
marched through the Gap and down the north side. As we
passed through the Gap we paused for a moment and, peer
ing through the darkness, took a parting look at "our own
East Tennessee," which to many it was the last.
To the south lay Clinch Mountain, along whose northern
base the beautiful river of that name flows southwest and
enters the Tennessee at Kingston. Still southward lay the
Valley of the Holston, with the winding stream of the same
name flowing its entire length, while hill after hill and valley
after valley greet the eye of the soldier as well as the trav
eler. All the discomforts of our present situation were for
gotten for the moment as we gazed with admiration upon
this dark scene, marred by the devastating hands of a cruel
war. Indeed, it seemed a fit abode for the Goddess of Peace
instead of War, with all of its horrors.
It was a sad and trying moment to the Tennessee troops
that were then serving in Morgan's division. The homes of
these brave men who had been driven away in exile were to
some extent protected by the presence of the Union army
while at the Gap, were now to be abandoned and left to the
mercy of a hostile foe. But true to our colors and without
complaint we turned our faces from this beautiful picture
and our homes, and grasping our muskets with a firmer hold
we sadly yet proudly marched through the Gap, with our
guns at a "right shoulder shift," and started on the ever
memorable, ever famous retreat through the mountains of
Eastern Kentucky.
The night on which the army withdrew was dark, con
sequently the descent was slow, difficult and dangerous, and
* * o
had the enemy boldly attacked us he could have done much
harm. At the northern base of the mountain, Spears' brigade
was halted and formed in line of battle across the Big Creek
48 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
Gap road, with a section of Foster's battery in the intervals
between the regiments. Lieutenant-Colonel Gallup, provost-
marshal of the division, aided by Captain Patterson, of the
Engineer Corps, with two hundred picked men, was en
trusted with the delicate and dangerous duty of holding the
enemy in check during the night and of firing the mines when
the troops were all withdrawn.
After the troops, artillery and wagons had reached the
foot of the mountain the march was begun, 'and soon the
long, dark lines of infantry and artillery were slowly moving
along the road leading to Cumberland Ford. Just before
dawn, Colonel Gallup withdrew his pickets and ordered all
government buildings to be fired- on the south side of the
mountain. The match was then applied to the fuse at the
mines, and immediately explosion followed explosion, until
the grand old mountain was shaken from summit to base.
The magazine on the north side near the summit was filled
with ammunition and guns that could not be taken away,
and when the fire reached the shells and boxes of ammuni
tion, they too exploded. The explosions took place at inter
vals, and to the marching troops it resembled a battle very
much.
The enemy approached the Gap when the buildings were
fired, but were evidently afraid of the mines and magazine,
which were still belching fire and smoke. Tons of earth and
stone w7ere thrown into the road by the explosion of the
mines, so by the time the enemy removed the obstructions,
Morgan's division was several miles away.
When the Fourth Tennessee reached Cumberland River,
the forty rounds of ammunition that each man was required
to carry seemed to have increased in weight to forty pounds.
The march was continued throughout the night and the fol
lowing day, until Flat Lick was reached, twenty-four miles
from Cumberland Gap. From this point the army moved
toward Manchester on two parallel roads along Stinking
and Goose Creeks, reaching the famous Goose Creek salt
works late in the evening of the iQth, where the whole
•:•'. ..
TENNESSEE: VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 49
division bivouacked for the night. The army was halted one
day for rest and to perfect the organization for the march.
At this place the enemy's cavalry, under that daring
raider, John H. Morgan, now appeared for the first time
upon our rear, and made an attempt to capture a part of our
train. Spears' brigade was immediately ordered into line and
moved out on the Flat Lick road, where it was formed in
line of battle. Cooper's Sixth Tennessee was thrown for
ward and after a sharp skirmish the enemy was forced to
fall back.
On the morning of the 2ist, the whole division left camp
and moved through Manchester and toward Proctor. Just
after leaving Manchester, a soldier belonging to one of the
Kentucky regiments was executed. While the army lay at
Cumberland Gap this soldier took the life of one of his com
rades, and for this offense was convicted by courtmartial and
sentenced to be shot, and as the army was on the march when
the time arrived for the execution to take place, no troops but
those of his own command were witnesses to this sad event.
The brigades of Baird and Carter moved by way of
Booneville and those of Spears and De Courcey direct to
Proctor, a small town located on the south side of the Ken
tucky river.
John H. Morgan left the rear of our marching column
and by hard marching reached Proctor in advance of us,
burned a steam mill and, as our advance approached the
place, stood ready to dispute our further advance in that
direction. As the head of the column entered the town, Mor
gan made some show of resistance. A battery was sent to
the front and the Fourth Tennessee ordered forward as a
support, but before a shot was fired the enemy fled in haste,
leaving the Seventh Division in possession of the place. The
entire division moved to the north side and went into camp.
The Kentucky river at this place was almost dry.
The army was now reaching that portion of Kentucky
where there was but little to be found along the line of
march, and as some of the boys remarked, "foraging would
50 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
not pay." However, from each man's haversack dangled a
grater made from a tin plate or a canteen, and if we were
lucky enough to find a few small ears of corn they would soon
be converted into meal, ready for bread or mush, the prepara
tion invariably being governed by the existing circumstances.
From Proctor to West Liberty it is sixty-nine miles, and
almost the entire distance is nothing more than a barren
waste. Not a drop of running water could be found, and the
country was so poor that a crow in going over this route
would be compelled to "carry rations." Every vessel and all
the canteens were ordered to be filled with water before leav
ing the Kentucky river, and the troops cautioned against the
needless waste of water, the inhabitants telling us the next
running water we would see on this route would be the Lick
ing river, seventy miles away.
The Fourth Tennessee left Proctor late in the afternoon
with the remainder of the division for Hazel Green, by way
of Compton, and marched all night to avoid the heat and
dust. Throughout the night the weary and hungry troops
kept tramping along the dusty road. Every now and then the
monotony was broken by "Tramp, tramp, the boys are
marching," or "Rally ''round the flag," in which all would
join in the chorus, making the wooded road ring with these
grand old songs. The enemy's cavalry hung upon our flanks
and rear, picking up all stragglers and "played-out" soldiers.
A short halt was made at Hazel Green to rest the troops.
On the march to this place we were greatly annoyed by the
enemy by his repeated attacks upon our rear-guard and
flanks.
From two officers captured at Hazel Green, the Union
commander learned that Humphrey Marshall and E. K.
Smith were trying to unite their forces at West Liberty be
fore he could reach the latter place. In order to delay the
inarch of Morgan's division as much as possible, the enemy
moved to the front and began to blockade the almost im
passable roads that wound serpent-like through the ridges
and deep defiles. About half way between Hazel Green and
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 51
West Liberty, the enemy was encountered in one of these
deep defiles, called Cracker's Neck, but was driven out after
a brisk engagement by the Thirty-third Indiana, Fourth and
Sixth Tennessee Volunteers and Foster's battery. The na
tives no doubt realized for the first time what real war was
when they heard the keen crack of the rifle and the still
louder bellowing of the cannon as the sound was echoed and
re-echoed from hill to hill.
After this little "set-to" the army moved without fur
ther interruption to West Liberty, where a halt was made
for one day, to rest and clean up. West Liberty is a small
place, the county seat of Morgan county, and is situated on
the north bank of Licking River. At this place Morgan
expected to encounter Smith and Marshall, as he was now
occupying a central position between the two forces. It is
said that Humphrey Marshall was a very large man, and as
large bodies move slowly, this may account for his non-
arrival at West Liberty in time to witness the parade of Mor
gan's division through town.
After a rest of one day, the column was again put in
motion for Grayson, forty-eight miles from West Liberty.
The enemy still hung on the flanks and followed close upon
the rear of the marching troops, and, being mounted, could
move rapidly from place to place. At places the roads in
our front were heavily obstructed by fallen timber, and in
some instances it was much easier to construct a new road
than to remove the blockade.
In General B. W. Duke's article, entitled "Bragg's Cam
paign in Kentucky, 1862," is made the following mention
of Morgan's famous retreat: "On the I7th of September,
the Federal General, George Morgan, evacuated Cumberland
Gap and pushed with all possible dispatch for the Ohio.
This released Stevenson, who instantly followed with the
whole force under his command. About the same time,
General Humphrey Marshall was entering Kentucky from
Virginia through Pound Gap, with about three thousand
men, and he was directed, with the assistance of some six
52 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
hundred cavalry under General John H. Morgan, to confront
and detain George Morgan until Stevenson could overtake
him and force him to battle in the mountains, surrounded by
assailants. Marshall, however, did not reach the scene of
operations in time to take part in the programme, and Stev
enson marched directly to Lexington, instead of pursuing the
enemy. John H. Morgan, with the cavalry detailed for that
purpose, placed himself directly in front of the Federal
column at West Liberty on the morning of the 25th of Sep
tember, and was constantly engaged in skirmishing with it
until the evening of October ist. During that time it
marched only thirty miles. October the ist, John Morgan
was ordered by General Smith to rejoin the army, and
George Morgan continued his march unmolested."
At no time on the retreat was General Morgan able to
draw the daring raider into a regular engagement, his sole
object being to annoy and hold Morgan in check until his
army was overtaken by Stevenson. John H. Morgan left
Grayson with his army late in the afternoon of October I,
and the advance of the Union army entered during the same
night. Here the pursuit ended, within twenty-five miles of
the Ohio river. We found Little Sandy river dry, except a
few pools of stagnant water, and the only way that we man
aged to drink it was by mixing it with cold coffee which we
carried in our canteens. This the boys called "mixed
drinks."
The next morning the march was resumed and after an
easy day's march the army bivouacked at Old Town, twelve
miles from Grayson. The place bore the right name, and
consisted of a blacksmith shop, a store and possibly two or
three dwelling-houses, which looked as though they had been
built ever since the flood. The march was continued the next
day and late in the afternoon of the 3rd Morgan's division
reached Greenupsburg, on the Ohio River, hungry, tired and
foot-sore. The army had marched two hundred and fifty
miles in sixteen days, without the loss of a wagon or gun,
and only eighty men killed, wounded and missing.
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 53
At this place a bountiful supply of rations was issued
to the men, and after a hearty supper the exhausted troops
spread their blankets on the ground near the bank of the
Ohio River and lay down to sleep, with no roof over them
but the starry heavens. No rain had fallen since leaving the
Gap, and the Kentucky dust clung to the men like a brother,
and the appearance of Morgan's little army was forlorn in
the extreme. The suffering of the men on this march was
very severe, having nothing to eat for several days at a time
excepting ears of corn plucked from the fields along the line
of march. There was but little water to be found along the
route taken by Morgan's army, and that as a rule was of a
very poor quality, consequently the troops were compelled
to quench their thirst from the few stagnant pools found
along the road.
A great many incidents that took place on this retreat
make it famous, and one of peculiar interest and worthy of
remembrance by all who participated in that long and dusty
tramp across the State of Kentucky. Stevenson was in our
front at Cumberland Gap, and on the withdrawal of Morgan,
followed close upon his heels ; Kirby Smith was in our rear
near Lexington, and Marshall up in eastern Kentucky with
a large force, while we were closely followed by a large
force of cavalry under John H. Morgan, who compelled us
to move in close column. Sometiems he was in our front,
and sometimes in our rear ; now on the right and then on the
left, but always afraid to attack us. But after a long and
fatiguing march of two hundred a,nd fifty miles through a
wild, mountainous and unproductive country, unfed, shoe
less, ragged and covered with the accumulated dust of six
teen days, the Fourth Tennessee, with the remainder of the
army, reached the Ohio River.
This well-known retreat of Morgan's division forms one
of the most interesting episodes of the war, and the success
is the more remarkable when it is known that the men were
continually skirmishing with the enemy and were at times
obliged to build new roads under very trying and disadvan-
54 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
tageous circumstances for the conveyance of the artillery
and wagons. Several times the troops marched the entire
day without food, and one time they were thirty-four hours
without anything to eat and almost a whole day without
water. The writer recalls a feast his mess had one night near
Hazel Green. The army had made a hard day's march on
empty stomachs, and late in the night a halt was made, not
to prepare supper, but to rest. Someone in the writer's mess
had during the day found a small pumpkin — yes, very small.
After the campfire was lighted, that pumpkin was divided
among eighteen hungry men, and in less time than I can tell
it, that green pumpkin was suspended over the fire on
eighteen sharp-pointed sticks, and before getting heated
through was devoured without salt or any other ingredient
to make it more palatable.
On the morning of the 5th, the Fourth Tennessee, with
the remainder of the division, marched down the south bank
of the river about four miles, where it was taken across in
boats. From this point the march was continued down the
north side, through Wheelersburg to Sciotoville, where the
regiment bivouacked for the night. We were now in a loyal
State, and were kindly and enthusiastically received by the
patriotic people of Ohio, and especially the Tennessee boys.
On the 6th, the regiment went by rail to Portland. The
distance was short, yet it was much preferable to marching,
and gave us a chance to rest our bruised and blistered feet.
From Portland the army was moved a short distance east to
a place called Oak Hill. Here we were kindly received by
the people, whose cordial welcome soon made us forget the
hardships of the retreat.
While at this camp, the men had time to think over and
reflect upon the exciting scenes through which they had just
passed. At the Gap and on the retreat we were completely
cut off from the authorities at Washington, as well as friends
at home. No letters, no newspapers or information as to
our condition, could be sent or received. Our friends be
came uneasy, as we were strangers in a strange land; but
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 55
when we finally got out of the "wilderness," what a vast
amount of news was unfolded to us !
The following telegrams will give the reader an idea of
how hard the Confederates tried to capture Morgan and his
men :
LEXINGTON, KY., September 19, 1862.
LIEUT. E. CUNNINGHAM to COL. JOHN H. MORGAN:
Heth was ordered in pursuit of Gen. G. W. Morgan, and to de
stroy all the mills and grain at Manchester.
RICHMOND, VA., September 19, 1862.
SECRETARY OF WAR to GENERAL JONES :
The enemy have left Cumberland Gap, pursued by Stevenson.
LEXINGTON, KY., September 24, 1862.
GEN. KIRBY SMITH to GEN. STEVENSON : Push Morgan.
LEXINGTON, KY., September 25, 1862.
GEN. KIRBY SMITH to GEN. BRAGG :
I have ordered my entire force to Mt. Sterling to try to inter
cept Gen. Morgan.
The camp of the Fourth Tennessee was in a grove of
timber, and while at this place a new outfit of clothing was
issued to the men, the old ones and their inhabitants being
consigned to the flames. Before leaving this camp, a great
feast was given us by the loyal and patriotic citizens of Oak
Hill and vicinity, and our wants, which were many and
various, were soon all supplied. Roast beef, boiled ham,
baked turkey and chicken, bread, cakes, pies and other things
in tempting profusion were piled on long, parallel rows of
tables, and at a given signal the hungry men of Morgan's
command moved forward in splendid order and took pos
session. After satisfying their craving stomachs, the differ
ent regiments were marched back to camp. This act of kind
ness will long be remembered by the men composing the
Fourth Tennessee, and will be treasured up as one of the
pleasant memories of Camp Oak Hill.
After a stay of two weeks, resting and cleaning up, the
Fourth Tennessee and the remainder of the brigade broke
camp and marched to Gallipolis, where it camped for the
night. The next morning the brigade was marched some
56 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
three miles north of Gallipolis, on the Point Pleasant road,
where a camp was established near the Ohio River. It was
still dry and dusty, but in this latitude the nights were get
ting quite cool.
When Morgan's army evacuated Cumberland Gap, all
the tents were destroyed, and up to this time his troops were
still without tents. There was plenty of rations for the
troops and forage for the horses and mules, but wood was
issued in such limited quantity that we were unable to keep
warm. Complaint was made through the proper channel
for relief, but from some cause none came. There were
plenty of good, dry rails near by, and we concluded that
there would be no harm in just taking "the top rail," but
with some of the boys "the ,top rail" lasted until the ground
was reached. This move proved to be the right one, for in
a few days wood was hauled into camp by the cord, and all
complaint ceased, and of course we ceased burning rails.
Tents were furnished us, and for the first time in two months
we enjoyed the almost forgotten luxury of sleeping in tents.
The regiment was in splendid condition, the men were
healthy and in excellent spirits, notwithstanding their long
and fatiguing march from Cumberland Gap, and at that time
numbered seven hundred and forty-eight men.
While at this place, a welcome visitor appeared in our
camp in the person of one of "Uncle Sam's" paymasters.
The Fourth Tennessee drew its first money from the gov
ernment it was so faithfully serving. There were six months'
pay due the regiment, and after this event new, crisp green
back bills and fractional currency were plentiful in camp —
and of course the sutler was as happy as the boys were, for
a large portion of their hard earnings was due him.
Company and battalion drills, dress parades and reviews,
which were unknown on the retreat, were now revived, and
all the extra time was spent in reviewing the early lessons
of the regiment in "Hardee's tactics." The weather, which
up to the middle of the month had been dry and warm, now
changed to cold, and on the 26th snow fell to the depth of
ARMY HARD TACK
TAKING THE TOP KAIL
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 57
about four inches, which whitened up old Mother Earth and
gave everything a wintery appearance. Part of Morgan's
division had already gone up the Kanawha Valley as far as
Charleston, West Virginia, and the Twenty-fifth Brigade was
expecting marching orders at any moment.
The Fourth Tennessee performed its last service at this
place as a "flat-footed" infantry regiment — as will be seen
by the following order — as Colonel Johnson had received
orders to take his regiment to Camp Dennison, Ohio, for
the purpose of being mounted and equipped for the cavalry
service. The Fourth Tennessee was soon to part from and
lose the companionship of the Third, Fifth and Sixth Ten
nessee Volunteers, composing the Twenty-fifth Brigade, of
which Johnson's Fourth Tennessee had been a member ever
since the organization of the brigade, before the capture of
Cumberland Gap. The regiment had passed through the
Cumberland Gap campaign, had marched and fought around
this great stronghold, had shared alike the dangers and hard
ships of the march and the retreat through the hills and
mountains of Kentucky, and now, in the golden month of
October, we were to part and prepare for a new service.
The Fourth Tennessee left camp and marched back to
Portland. At this place a sad accident happened. Robert
Howell, quartermaster of the regiment, was thrown from a
buggy and killed. From this place the regiment proceeded
by rail to Camp Dennison, by way of Hamden and Chilli-
cothe. Nothing of special interest occurred while en route
to our destination except the loss of a few hats. The train
bearing the regiment reached Camp Dennison in the after
part of the night, and the men immediately left the cars and
lay down near the track and slept until daylight.
The next morning the sound of the bugles and the rattle
of drums were heard all over the camp. Colonel Johnson re
ported to the commander of Camp Dennison, and by his
orders the regiment was moved to the south side of the camp
and placed in the barracks. This camp is eighteen miles east
of Cincinnati, and was named "Camp Dennison" in honor
58 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
of Ohio's war Governor — William Dennison. It was a
regular recruiting camp for the Union army, and thousands
of loyal and patriotic citizens were converted into United
States soldiers at this camp. The only regiments the writer
can recall that were there at that time were the Seventh Ohio
Cavalry and a regiment of sharp-shooters, yet the barracks
were all full and during drill hours infantry, cavalry and
artillery were seen all over the camp, gojng through the dif
ferent evolutions.
The buildings were all new and provided with kitchens,
mess-halls and sleeping-quarters, and were large enough to
accommodate a full company. One side of the barracks was
used for sleeping-quarters for the men, while the other was
provided with racks for the guns and accoutrements. The
camp was supplied with water, which was pumped from
the Little Miami River, a short distance from camp, and
conveyed in pipes to all portions of the camp.
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 59
CHAPTER IV.
THE FOURTH TENNESSEE MOUNTED — MUSKETS TO CARBINES —
INCIDENTS AT CAMP DENNISON ORDERED TO MURFREES-
BORO FIRST SABER CHARGE — HALF IN HOSPITALS — RES
IGNATION OF COLONEL JOHNSON — REORGANIZATION OF
THE CAVALRY — BROWNLOW WEARS THE EAGLE.
On the first day of November, 1862, Johnson's Fourth
Regiment Tennessee Volunteers ceased to exist, and the
long-cherished hope of being mounted was now about to
materialize. The regiment was recruited for the cavalry
service, but the very large number of troops called out early
in the war had taxed the government beyond its capacity
to arm and equip the troops for the various branches of the
service. The task of mounting and equipping a regiment
of cavalry in the early part of the war was one of great
magnitude, for at that time but few equipments could be
obtained, and they were generally of the old pattern. Prior
to 1 86 1, the government had paid but little attention to this
branch of the service, and even as late as 1862 it was almost
impossible to procure arms and equipments for the cavalry
regiments that were then being organized.
One great mistake made by our generals early in the
war was in the scattered condition of the cavalry. Their
efficiency was almost wholly destroyed by the dividing up
of regiments and brigades into such small detachments that
as a rule they could not accomplish what was expected of
them; but in 1863-4, when the cavalry was organized into
brigades, divisions and corps, like the infantry, and com
petent commanders, such as Sheridan, Custer, Stoneman,
Wilson, Stanley, McCook and Hatch, placed in command,
we find them doing deadly work on such bloody battle-
60 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
fields as Cedar Creek, Gettysburg, Chickamauga, Franklin,
Nashville and scores of other hard-fought battles, where the
cavalry guidons were seen fluttering in the breeze amid shot
and shell.
The First Tennessee had been serving as an infantry
regiment for eight months, but on the first of November it
exchanged muskets for carbines and was regularly mus
tered as the First Regiment Tennessee Volunteer Cavalry
by Robert S. Smith, Lieutenant Second United States Cav
alry. The First Tennessee was now recruited up to a war
standard for a cavalry regiment. When the report reached
East Tennessee that Johnson's regiment was to be mounted,
recruits came in rapidly, and soon L and M, the two new
companies, and the ten old ones, were full. The following
are the original line officers of the two new companies, or
ganized at Camp Dennison :
COMPANY L.
Captain, James E. Colville; First Lieutenant, J. N. B. Lusk;
Second Lieutenant, Moses Wiley.
COMPANY M.
Captain, Joseph A. Collins; First Lieutenant, Samuel Lane;
Second Lieutenant, Geo. T. Harris.
The First Tennessee began the cavalry drill under the
able instructions of Captain Hunter, of Company A, who
was appointed drill-master of the regiment. The men were
required to drill six hours each day, while the commissioned
and non-commissioned officers were put through an extra
number of hours mornings and afternoons. Julius E.
Thomas, of Company F, was appointed chief bugler of the
regiment, with one man from each of the twelve companies
for company bugler, and the tr-r-r-r-rat, tr-rat-tat, tr-rat-a-
tat-tat of the drums was sweet music compared with the
horrid, sound from all the blare of bugles as they took up the
cavalry calls, as follows : reveille, roll-call, stable-call, sick-
call, drill-call, officers '-call, retreat and taps or lights out —
yet musical when distance lends enchantment.
A detail wras made and sent to Camp Monroe, a short
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 61
distance north of Camp Demiison, for horses and wagons
for the regiment. The horses were all hitched to long lines
of "picket-rope," and then came the difficult task of select
ing and placing the different colors together for the twelve
companies, no two colors to be the same. The "color com
pany" — C — was to have the first choice, and the men selected
the black horses, and, strange to say, they proved to be the
sorriest of the lot. Company D drew the grays, the best and
hardiest. Saddles, bridles, halters, curry-combs and brushes
were provided as rapidly as possible, and when stable-call
was sounded each man was expected to repair to the stable,
feed and groom his horse. The following lines are sug
gestive of the duty and the consequences of non-compliance :
"Come all that are able and go to the stable,
And curry and feed your horses well,
For if you don't do it, the Colonel will know it,
And he will give you particular ."
Camp Dennison presented a lively and warlike appear
ance in the autumn of 1862. Cavalry, infantry and artillery,
fully equipped, were to be seen on every hand, drilling at
the same time. The First Tennessee began the cavalry drill,
mounted, as soon as saddles and bridles were provided, for
the horses required training as well as the men, in wheeling,
marching, trotting and charging. Fretful and unruly horses
had to get accustomed to the jam and pressure in wheeling
and the excitement of the charge. Wild and unruly horses
"cut terrible capers" when the regiment was firing mounted,
and it was no uncommon thing to see a trooper tumbled
headlong to the ground, sometimes badly hurt. But awk
ward horses were soon broken, and by constant practice the
First Tennessee was soon brought up to a degree of pro
ficiency that well fitted it for the field.
New suits of blue uniforms, trimmed in yellow, hats
ornamented with feathers, and a brass bugle or cross-sabers
were issued, and when a comrade from some other command
asked what regiment we belonged to, the polite answer was
invariably, "Same old regiment, only got new clothes." The
62 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
regiment was well armed and equipped. Every man, in ad
dition to a breech-loading carbine, carried a revolver and a
light cavalry saber, each trooper being a whole arsenal in
himself. The First Tennessee was composed of hardy East
Tennesseans who had been driven from their homes, and
were patiently awaiting the time when they could proudly
follow the "old flag" back to Tennessee. The troops en
joyed the best of health at Camp Dennison, and with full
rations the men recruited up and almost forgot the long and
fatiguing march from Cumberland Gap through the moun
tains of Eastern Kentucky.
While the regiment lay at Camp Dennison, several
changes took place in the way of resignations and promo
tions. The following officers tendered their resignations:
Major James O. Berry and Surgeon P. W. Logan. Captain
M. T. Burkhart, Company C, \vas promoted to Eirst Major;
W. R. Tracy was elected Second Major; John S. Jones was
prompted to Surgeon, and James H. Jones to First Assistant
Surgeon; Adjutant, Chas. H. Bentley; Quartermaster, John
H. James ; Commissary, Isaac B. Self, of Greeneville.
The following non-commissioned staff officers were ap
pointed by Colonel Johnson : Quartermaster Sergeant,
Daniel S. Fox, of Company H ; Commissary Sergeant, Wm.
F. Self, of Company I; Hospital Steward, Oliver O'Neal,
of Company D ; Chief Bugler, Julius E. Thomas, of Com
pany F; Saddle Sergeant, Wm. P. Liford, of Company G;
Wagonmaster, W. J. Bise, of Company C ; Regimental Post
master, D. A. Brooks, of Company C.
The promotion of Captain Burkhart, Company C, to
Major, left a vacancy which was rilled by the promotion of
First Lieutenant E. J. Cannon. Second Lieutenant J. K.
Jones was promoted to First Lieutenant, and First Sergeant
John Roberts was promoted to Second Lieutenant. The
writer, who had been elected First Corporal of Company C
at its organization, was promoted to Sergeant. There was
a general ' 'advance" all around, caused by the promotion of
Captain Burkhart to Major.
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 63
The First Tennessee kept up its drill at Camp Dennison
until the 24th day of December, 1862. On the 26th, General
Rosecrans ordered his army to advance from Nashville to
Murfreesboro, the latter place being held by Bragg. At the
same time, John H. Morgan was sent by Bragg into Ken
tucky for the purpose of destroying General Rosecran's com
munications. This unexpected movement of Morgan along
the Louisville & Nashville railroad made it necessary for
the hurrying forward of all the troops at Camp Dennison to
protect the road that was supplying Rosecrans' army. Col
onel Johnson received orders on the 24th to move his regi
ment the next day to Louisville, by way of Cincinnati.
The comfortable barracks that the First Tennessee had
been enjoying for two months at Camp Dennison were now
to be abandoned for the tented field almost in mid-winter,
but the thought of returning to the old "Volunteer State" so
thrilled the men that they could hardly wait for the order
to march. Christmas eve was spent in packing up for the
march to Cincinnati. The First Tennessee marched out
from Camp Dennison on the 24th, with 1,260 men in line —
said to be the largest regiment that ever left that noted
camp.
The regiment marched direct to Cincinnati, eighteen
miles distant, and there embarked on government transports
for Louisville. The streets along the line of march were
crowded with soldiers and citizens, who gave us a royal
greeting. This embarkation will long be remembered by
the members of the First Tennessee Cavalry for its exciting
scenes, as well as novel. The transports lay along the bank
of the Ohio River, with their gang-ways thrown out, and
then came the "tug of war," coaxing and pulling horses and
mules along the narrow gang-planks to the boats. Occasion
ally a horse or a mule would become unruly and back off the
treacherous walk and fall into the chilly water — sometimes
feet foremost, sometimes feet uppermost. Whistles were
blowing, bells ringing, officers and men yelling and shouting,
as the process of loading went on. By 9 p. m. the task
64 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
of loading was completed, and we all lay down beneath the
twinkling stars and were soon fast asleep.
The following day was our first ''Merry Christmas"
spent in the army, consequently the boys were up early to
view the sights, which were constantly changing. Splendid
farms, with their cozy-looking cottages, beautiful villages,
with now and then a passing steamer with its deep, bass
whistle, were seen as we glided down the Ohio. The trans
ports carrying the regiment were rocking and quivering
under a full head of steam, while from the huge stacks
clouds of smoke were rolled and tossed by the morning
breeze.
Late in the afternoon the transports reached Louisville
without accident, and the men were glad enough to once
more press "Mother Earth." The camp selected was near
the fair-grounds on the N., C. & St. L. road. On reaching
Louisville we found that it was exceedingly cold, with driv
ing storms of rain and snow, making soldiering very un
pleasant.
Morgan had moved north as far as Elizabethtown, de
stroying on the way bridges, trestles and depots, capturing
the garrisons at Muldraugh's Hill and Elizabethtown, and
was still moving toward Louisville. Thirty miles south, the
Louisville & Nashville railroad crosses Salt River, and evi
dently Morgan intended to destroy this bridge before turn
ing south. The First Tennessee was ordered to move at
once to Shepardsville, on Salt River, to reinforce the garri
son at that place. We left Louisville at 9 p. m., and after
a very cold and disagreeable march reached Salt River at
daylight. Morgan was so hotly pursued by the Union troops
that he was unable to reach the bridge over Salt River, now
turned east and at Rolling Fork of Salt River was overtaken
and defeated by Harlan's troops. Morgan moved toward
Bardstown, pursued by the Union cavalry, and when near
Lebanon he was overtaken and roughly handled. He now
turned south and left the State, having done considerable
damage, but suffered heavy loss.
jjat -su 'j
FIRST LTEUTEXANT A. J. GAHAGAN, COMPANY D
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 65
The First Tennessee was ordered to return to Louisville,
where it remained for two weeks, scouting extensively dur
ing bitter cold weather. Shortly after General Morgan was
driven out of Kentucky, Colonel Johnson was ordered to
move his regiment to Nashville. This order was the cause
of great rejoicing in the ranks of the First Tennessee, and
was cheerfully obeyed, as the regiment \vould now have an
opportunity of proudly marching through the streets of the
capital city. The First Tennessee left a considerable num
ber sick in the hospitals when it left Louisville, and this
sickness, which owed its origin to hardship and exposure,
was also increased in severity from want of proper drainage
at "Camp Oakland," the name of the camp where the regi
ment lay.
On the Qth day of January, 1863, the First Tennessee
broke camp and marched through Louisville, taking the
Bardstown turnpike. The day was cloudy and threatening,
but not very cold. In the middle of the afternoon a drizzling
rain commenced falling, making marching very unpleasant,
and as night approached it began to turn cold. The First
Tennessee reached Bardstown about 8 p. m., and went into
camp in the fair-ground, which proved to be a great blessing
to the men and horses, for during the night a terrible snow
storm set in and raged for twenty-four hours, the snow fall
ing to a depth of twenty-six inches. The regiment was com
pelled to lay up four or five days to allow the "scorching"
rays of a winter sun to melt the snow so the march could be
resumed.
From Bardstown, the First Tennessee marched to
Mumfordsville, which place it reached the iQth, where it
crossed Green River. All the bridges along the line of 'march
had been burned by Morgan only a few weeks before when
he made his raid along the Louisville & Nashville railroad.
Resuming the march, the regiment moved on to Glasgow
and bivouacked for the night. Moved early the next morn
ing and at 12 '.30 p. m. crossed the State line, where Colonel
Johnson made a short address, after which we marched
66 HISTORY OF I'IRST REGIMENT
through Scottsville and Gallatin, reaching Nashville on the€
1 7th, and went into a camp already prepared for the regi
ment about one mile north of the city.
It will be remembered that the Colonel of the First Ten
nessee was a son of Andrew Johnson, then military governor
of Tennessee, and when he learned that his son's regiment
was on the way to Nashville, he had new tents put up for the
officers and men, with a bountiful supply of clean straw in
each one, picket-ropes stretched, and plenty of wood for
cooking purposes ; in fact, nothing was left undone that
would add to the comfort of the men. On reaching Nash
ville, we found the weather cold and disagreeable, and the
boys certainly did enjoy and appreciate this very kind and
thoughtful act of Governor Johnson.
Nashville presented a busy and warlike scene at that
time, it being a very important distributing point for the
army. The "old flag" proudly floated from the dome of the
capitol of Tennessee, while from the frowning forts the
great, black-throated "dogs of war" peeped through the em
brasures, indicating safety to the city. Troops hurrying to
the front, ambulances, army wagons, carriages and the clat
ter of hoofs, jingling of sabers, the dash of aides and order
lies, combined to make it one of the liveliest cities in all the
land.
After the battle of Stone River, General Bragg's army
fell back and took up a strong position north of Duck River,
his line extending from Sheibyville to Manchester, with de
tachments thrown forward to hold Hoover's, Liberty's and
Guy's ' Gaps, with Tullahoma his center and chief base of
supplies. Rosecrans' army was encamped in and around
Murfreesboro, and until the railroad to Nashville was put
in running order all supplies were transported in army
wagons. Shortly after the occupation of Murfreesboro by
the Union army, elaborate and extensive forts and rifle-pits
were laid out and built on all the high ground along Stone
River and near the town, railroad and turnpikes. These
defenses cost months of hard labor and afterwards furnished
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 67
a refuge for the troops stationed at that point for the pro
tection of supplies and communications.
The First Tennessee during its brief stay at Nashville
was kept busy scouting in all directions. Before Franklin
was garrisoned by the Union army, the regiment was or
dered on the ist day of February to make a reconnoissance
to Franklin, eighteen miles south of Nashville. Lieutenant-
Colonel Brownlow marched the regiment toward Franklin,
reaching there at dark, and at once plunged into Harpeth
River at an unknown ford, and in a short time the town was
alive with Yankees. As the sharp crack of the carbine
rang out on the still night air, the startled inhabitants
rushed to their doors to learn the cause of the firing. The
town was full of Confederate officers and men, who had
come in to spend the night — for near by lay Van Dorn's
army — not thinking of a live Yankee being any closer to their
camp than Nashville. Colonel Brownlow, fearing that word
would be sent to the enemy's camp, quietly withdrew his
men, recrossed the Harpeth, and by daylight was well on the
way to Nashville with his regiment and prisoners. Company
C mourned the loss of the brave and noble Christian soldier,
First Corporal James M. Chanaberry, who fell in the streets
of Franklin, a bullet having pierced his brain.
Early in February, the First Tennessee was ordered to
strike tents and march to Concord Church, on the Nolens-
ville turnpike, eleven miles southeast of Nashville, where
the regiment was temporarily attached to General J. B.
Steedman's division, Fourteenth Corps, at that time the ex
treme right of the Union army. In Steedman's immediate
front lay a large and well-equipped force of the enemy's
cavalry, under General Joe Wheeler, one of Bragg's able
and trusted commanders, and as the First Tennessee was
the only cavalry regiment in Steedman's division, the duty
performed by it was of the severest kind. The regiment
was constantly in the saddle and on the go night and day,
picketing, foraging, scouting and skirmishing. The writer
can scarcely recall a single night when the entire regiment
68 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
was allowed to enjoy a night of undisturbed repose, so con
stantly were the enemy attacking and driving in the Union
outposts.
General Steedman's command encamped at Concord
Church until the last of February, when he was ordered by
Rosecrans to move his command to Triune, a distance of
ten miles, and entrench his camp. But before making this
move, Steedman ordered Colonel Johnson to take his regi
ment and reconnoitre the country well beyond Triune, and
in executing this order the First Tennessee drew its first
blood with the saber. Four miles south of Triune, the Col
lege Grove turnpike crosses Harpeth River, a small stream,
but sufficiently large to obstruct an army advancing into an
enemy's country.
The First Tennessee, under Lieutenant-Colonel Brown-
low, moved out from camp at Concord Church and pushed
on through Triune, crossing Harpeth River at night, and
moved through College Grove toward Chapel Hill, finding
only small detachments of the enemy, which were brushed
out of the way, and at daylight Colonel Brownlow threw out
a strong rear-guard and started for camp. The return trip
was made quietly and without serious opposition until the
regiment reached Harpeth River, when the enemy, who were
concealed near the turnpike, opened fire on the rear-guard
and at the same time rushed upon the First Tennessee with
their well-known "rebel yell." It seemed that the plan was
to make the attack while the regiment was crossing the river,
expecting to throw it into confusion and kill and capture it.
But they were sadly disappointed in their plan.
Notwithstanding the suddenness of the attack, no symp
toms of panic were seen in the ranks of the First Tennessee.
Lieutenant-Colonel Brownlow formed the regiment into line
of battle and in a few minutes a solid sheet of fire burst from
the muzzles of the carbines, as volley after volley was poured
into their ranks. The enemy could not stand the rapid vol
leys, and began to fall back, when Brownlow ordered the
regiment to charge with saber, which it did in gallant style,
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 69
and soon the enemy were sent flying, with bleeding heads,
in all directions. After driving the enemy back three or
four miles, Lieutenant-Colonel Brownlow halted the regi
ment, for fear of being drawn into a "trap."
The First Tennessee returned to camp without further
molestation, taking with it about one hundred prisoners,
most of them being wounded with the saber, some having
two and three wounds each. The dead and badly wounded
were left on the field. On returning to camp, General
Steedman issued an order congratulating the officers and
men of the First Tennessee for gallantry on the field. In
this engagement, the First Tennessee lost two men wounded
— Sergeant Joseph J. Beal, of Company E, and Private Wm.
H. Osmit, of Company L, the former being severely wounded
in the left shoulder. Qeneral Steedman moved his entire
command to Triune, and went into camp to the left of the
turnpike, where it remained until the advance of the army
in June.
Colonel Josiah Patterson, Fourth Alabama Cavalry, has
this to say of this engagement: "My regiment was often
pitted against Jim Brownlow's famous First Tennessee Cav
alry, and numerous interesting incidents were related in ref
erence to these passages at arms. In 1863, my regiment was
stationed near Triune, and Brownlow's regiment was oper
ating in the same locality at the same time. Both organiza
tions were game and well equipped, and it was hard to tell
which enjoyed a fight the most. Colonel Brownlow once
sent me word to meet his regiment at Rigg's Cross Roads,
and he would whip my regiment like h — 1. We did not meet
at that place, but shortly after that my Lieutenant-Colonel
took into his head to capture Brownlow's regiment, and for
this purpose entered into a plan with two other regiments,
which were to attack from the rear. Luckily for Brownlow,
he had an infantry support, which our men were ignorant
of, and when my regiment attacked him from the rear, it
got into a hornet's nest. Brownlow ordered a charge, and
in less than no time my regiment was getting out of there
70 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
in a hurrry, with the mountaineers whacking at them with
their sabers right and left. About two hundred of my men
were captured in this engagement."
Colonel Patterson is mistaken about an infantry sup
port, as no other troops except the P^irst Tennessee Cavalry
were engaged at this place and time. This charge was made
in a blinding snow-storm.
To srive a detailed account of all the movements of the
o
regiment during its stay at Triune would require too much
space, but enough will be given to convey to the reader that
the First Tennessee was not idle during the time, the long
list of casualties being the best evidence of duty well per
formed.
After the army had settled down to camp life at Triune,
the First Tennessee was kept busy all the time picketing and
patrolling the country around camp, and so vigilant was
the regiment on this outpost duty that not a single surprise
of the Union camp occurred. A large force of Confederate
cavalry was encamped at Chapel Hill, fifteen miles from
Triune, and from this point the commander would almost
daily send out detachments to attack our pickets, and to get
even with them Colonel Brownlow would often move the
regiment out beyond his outposts and form it in line of
battle, then take a small detachment and quietly move in
their rear, and with drawn sabers charge into their ranks,
creating the wildest confusion and disorder, often capturing
more prisoners than he had men.
Sometimes Colonel Brownlow would march his regi
ment out near the enemy's outposts and form it in line of
battle, send forward a company to fire on their pickets and
arouse their camp, and keep them in line of battle all day in
anticipation of an attack, and at night fall back and leave
them to form their own conclusions. Again, the daring
Colonel of the First Tennessee would move his regiment
close to the enemy's camp, drive in their pickets, and have
his bugler to impudently blow "boots and saddles."
On the gth of April, the First Tennessee was ordered
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 71
to Franklin to reinforce the garrison, which was threatened
by a large force of cavalry and infantry, under Van Dorn
and Wheeler. Reinforcements were rapidly approaching
Franklin from all directions, and Van Dorn, having met with
so much opposition and such stubborn resistance on his
approach to Franklin, retreated without making a general
attack. After a few days of skirmishing around Franklin,
the regiment returned to camp at Triune.
There were numerous sharp engagements between the
First Tennessee and the enemy, under Wheeler and Whar-
ton, near our camp, in which the regiment sustained consid
erable loss. The names of Rigg's Cross Roads and College
Grove are as familiar as a household name to the surviving
members of the First Tennessee. In the former engage
ment, April 1 6, the regiment sustained the following loss :
Killed — Company I, Jacob Mysinger.
Wounded — Company D, William Riddle ; Company C,
Sergeant O. N. Miller, John M. Harris and Robert Adair.
The latter two received three wounds each, which were
thought to be mortal, but, being blessed with strong consti
tutions and by good nursing, they finally recovered and are
at this date still living, but very much shattered in health.
In the battle May 8, the killed, wounded and captured
were as follows :
Killed — Company C, Alexander Blain ; Company B,
James Dooley.
Wounded — Company F, Sergeant W. J. Randolph ;
Company C, Robert Hixon, slightly wounded in left cheek
and captured; Company G, Captain I. C. Leger.
When Robert Hixon was captured, he had a fat turkey
strapped to his saddle, which he proposed to present to
Colonel Brownlow when he reached camp. Wheeler, find
ing this out, sent word to Brownlow that he had one of his
men and a turkey prisoners, and that he would take good
care of his man, but would dine on his turkey that day him
self.
There was a great deal of sickness and a very large
72 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
number of deaths in the First Tennessee while encamped
at Triune, the regiment losing thirty-one men by death — the
greatest number that ever died at any one camp during the
war. This sickness and high death-rate was no doubt caused
by exposure during the cold, wet months of winter and
spring, as the regiment was constantly in the saddle night
and day, taking the weather as it came without complaint.
On May 31, Colonel Robert Johnson tendered his resig
nation as commander of the First Tennessee, on account of
ill health. He was the first colonel, and by his kind treat
ment of the officers and men won their respect and con
fidence. Lieutenant-Colonel James P. Brownlow was im
mediately promoted to colonel — a promotion he well de
served, for he was the real commander before his promotion
to colonel.
The country for miles around Triune became very
familiar to the First Tennessee by its frequent visits, for
the regiment had scouted and marched along the narrow
country roads and the splendid turnpikes by night as well as
by day. During our stay at Triune, the regiment became
famous for dash and courage, and earned for itself the name
of "the fighting First Tennessee Cavalry," a name that was
never disgraced upon the battlefield. The First Tennessee
was widely and favorably known, and the soldierly bearing
of the officers and men in action and their patient endurance
on the march were frequently recognized by its com
manders.
About the middle of June all of the cavalry in the
Army of the Cumberland was reorganized by General D. S.
Stanley, and formed into a corps. In the reorganization
the First Tennessee, Second Michigan and Ninth Pennsyl
vania formed the First Brigade, the First Brigade forming
a part of the First Division, with Colonel A. P. Campbell,
Second Michigan, commanding the brigade, General R. B.
Mitchell the division, and General Stanley the corps.
From now until the forward movement, our time was
spent in reviews, inspections and drills, preparatory for a
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 73
general advance. Before leaving Triune, the following of
ficers sent in their resignations : Majors M. T. Burkhart and
Abraham Hammond. First Lieutenant C. M. Dyer, Com
pany H, was promoted to First Major, and First Lieutenant
Russell Thornburgh, of Company K, was promoted to Sec
ond Major.
The large tents that had protected us so well during
the winter from cold and rain were exchanged for shelter-
tents — "dog-tents" the boys called them. Everything was
put in trim for an active campaign and a grand forward
movement. In active campaigning, the soldier carries his
small tent (dog) and he and the comrade who is his "part
ner" put the two pieces together, which makes a comfortable
protection from the weather. His haversack contains his
rations, while from his belt or saddle clatters a small coffee
pot or pail, and in less than a half-hour after a halt the
veteran knows how to prepare a wholesome meal of bacon,
coffee and crackers, familiarly known as "hard-tack." This
new-fangled tent was very appropriately named by the boys,
and was little better than no tent.
74 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
CHAPTER V.
TULLAHOMA CAMPAIGN — THE ADVANCE — GUY'S GAP — TEN
THOUSAND CAVALRY ON A WILD CHARGE — WHEELER
FORCED TO SWIM DUCK RIVER — BRAGG LEAVES TENNESSEE
HISTORIC CAMP — MOVEMENTS OF THE CAVALRY — CON
CENTRATION AT STEVENSON — PREPARING FOR AN AD
VANCE.
On the 23rd day of June, the First Tennessee struck
tents and with the remainder of the cavalry moved out along*
the Eaglesville turnpike, encountering the enemy near
Eaglesville. After a brisk skirmish, the enemy fell back
toward Rover, pursued by Campbell's brigade. The enemy
kept a battery on the turnpike, which annoyed our advance
a great deal, and when pressed too close it limbered up and
moved to the rear. In the middle of the afternoon the
enemy made a stand near Rover, and a sharp engagement
ensued, in which they were repulsed and driven from the
field in confusion.
The Eirst Tennessee was on the right of the line during-
the engagement, and after the enemy had fallen back, and
while waiting for orders to advance, the enemy appeared
upon the right flank of the regiment and opened a brisk firer
followed by a charge upon our line, but before they reached
us, Colonel Brownlow changed front and drove them back
in confusion. In this engagement, the First Tennessee lost
two killed — Reuben DeBoard, Company E, and James
Kirkpatrick, Company H. In this action, Colonel Brown-
low's horse was shot from under him.
Just here I want to relate an incident that occurred
during the wild charge of the enemy upon the First Ten
nessee. A single horseman, well mounted, was seen to leave
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 75
the ranks of his friends and dash at our line as if he meant
to capture it. As he passed the First Tennessee, hundreds
of shots were fired at him, but still he came dashing along,
and when in front of the Second Michigan, they opened
fire, and still the horse charged madly on, bearing his rider,
who seemed to have a charmed life. The firing ceased, and
all were amazed to think a man could escape instant death
amid such a shower of lead. At last his wild charge ended
and the wonderful mystery was fully solved. Both bridle
reins had been cut by a bullet and his horse, in the excite
ment, refused to cease charging, and all that the rider could
do was to grasp the pommel of his saddle and "hang on"
while running the gauntlet. His clothes were perforated
with bullets, his horse wounded in many places, but, strange
to say, the man's body was not touched. It is doubtful if he
breathed at all during his charge on Campbell's brigade.
The brigade bivouacked on the field, and early the next
morning the march was resumed, passing through Versailles
and on to Middleton, where Campbell's brigade overtook
the enemy and a sharp engagement ensued during a drench
ing rain. Stanley's cavalry was now on the extreme right
of the Union army, and had in the two days driven the
enemy's cavalry toward Guy's Gap, on the Shelbyville turn
pike.
Heavy rains continued to fall, making all roads impass
able except the turnpikes. Our bivouacs were indeed un
pleasant, being in mud and rain, with no covering save wet
blankets and ponchos, but the First Tennessee had long
since learned by hard experience that a good, comfortable
bed could be made by placing two rails side by side.
It was General Rosecrans' plan to make a strong dem
onstration on Bragg's left with the cavalry and a portion of
his infantry, while he, with the remainder, would make a
bold move on Manchester, compelling him to give up his
strong position at Tullahoma. Early on the morning of the
27th, Stanley moved his cavalry from Christiana to Guy's
Gap, followed by the reserve corps, under Grainger. This
76 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
part of Bragg's line was held by Folk's corps, with all of
Martin's and a portion of Wharton's division of cavalry
under Wheeler, well posted in Guy's Gap. Stanley formed
his cavalry in line of battle within one mile of the Gap in
two lines division fronts. Occasionally the sun would peep
through the flying clouds to witness this great war pageant
of ten thousand cavalry marching in perfect order with
bands playing and colors flying. As the long lines of blue
moved forward in line of battle, fields of young growing
corn and the golden wheat ready for the sickle rapidly dis
appeared under the steady tramp, tramp of thousands of
horses.
A line of skirmishers was thrown out, and the column
ordered forward. The Confederates, from the crest of the
hill, could witness all of our movements, and as the ad
vanced line approached, the enemy opened fire with artillery
and small arms, which was answered from the lines of blue
with Parrott guns and carbines. At the Gap a few scattering
shots were exchanged, then all became quiet, the enemy hav
ing fled in hot haste to their second and strongest line.
Stanley moved his troops forward on the trot, a battery was
wheeled into position in the Gap on the Shelbyville turnpike,
and as the exploding shells were striking terror to the re
treating Confederates our bands played "Yankee Doodle"
and "Dixie" in grand style.
After a short halt, General Stanley ordered his victor
ious troops forward again, this time to charge a line of rifle-
pits a short distance in his front and extending across the
turnpike. The command was deployed in line of battle, and
at the order, "forward march," the troops moved toward
the works. The sight was grand, as it was rare — cavalry
about to charge, mounted, a line of rifle-pits. "Steady, men,
steady !" was repeated along the line as we approached the
works, expecting every moment the dreaded grape or the
"singing Minie." On we wrent and not a shot was fired
except from the skirmish-line, which in the center waxed
warm. The line continued to advance and still no pitiless
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 77
storm of lead or screeching shell greeted us. After moving
over rocks, through brush and timber, the works were
reached and no enemy in sight, the rifle-pits being entirely
deserted.
General Stanley ordered immediate pursuit to be made
with Minty's brigade, Second Division, supported by Camp
bell's brigade, First Division, closely followed by the whole
corps. The charge of Stanley's ten thousand horsemen was
a grand and imposing sight, and to be seen was never to be
forgotten. The charge was made in column of fours. It
was seven miles to Shelbyville, and the enemy were so hard
pressed that they were unable to make a stand and only fired
a few shots from their artillery. More than once on this
long charge \vere they compellel to move their artillery
rapidly to the rear to prevent capture.
At Shelbyville, Wheeler made a desperate attempt to
check the advance of the Union cavalry long enough to allow
his artillery and men to cross Duck River, which at that time
was considerably swollen by the recent rains. Wheeler
placed a battery in the public square and opened fire on our
advance. There was quite a brisk engagement at this point
between Minty's brigade and the advance of Wheeler's
cavalry, in which the enemy were badly whipped and driven
toward Duck River with the loss of several hundred pris
oners. The fleeing enemy were now pursued by the brigades
of Campbell and Minty. and at Duck River bridge three
guns and five hundred men were captured.
Hundreds of Wheeler's men, finding themselves cut off
from the bridge, their only means of crossing, and being
hard pressed, plunged into the swollen stream, where scores
were drowned in their attempt to gain the opposite side. The
rout was so complete and the flight so hurried that it is said
General Wheeler himself only escaped by swimming the
river.
While the battles of Guy's Gap and Shelbyville do not
take high rank as leading engagements, yet the achievements
of Stanley's cavalry on the 2/th of June were very important
78 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
to the success of Rosecrans' movement, for the left of
Bragg's army was completely routed and driven back over
ten miles, with severe loss in men and artillery. This splen
did Union victory had a depressing effect on Wheeler's cav
alry, which up to that time were thought to be invincible.
Shelbyville is a beautiful little town, located on Duck
River, and is at the terminus of a branch road that leaves the
Nashville & Chattanooga railroad at Wartrace, and at the
time of this our first visit the Union people of this loyal
town displayed hundreds of national flags from their win
dows and house-tops, that had long been concealed, and
made the 27th of June seem like a Fourth of July.
After a rest of two days, General Stanley set his column
in motion for Manchester on the 3Oth. The First Tennessee
moved with the remainder of the army over the almost im
passable roads, through mud and rain, reaching Manchester
the last clay of June. The most of this march was made over
dirt roads, and when we reached the "barrens,'' the dividing-
line of the hills bordering on Cumberland Mountain and the
fertile lands of Middle Tennessee, the rain of the past week
had made this whitish soil as soft and spongy as a swamp
into which artillery and wagons cut to the hub. Even our
horses could only pass over with the greatest exertion.
Both flanks of Bragg's army being turned, he was now
compelled to abandon Tullahoma, which he did on the 3Oth,
and retreated toward Decherd. On the 2nd day of July, we
left Manchester and moved through Estell Springs, fording
Elk River, and moved on to Decherd and Cowan, on the
Nashville & Chattanooga railroad, to find that Bragg had
crossed the mountain, and once more Middle Tennessee was
in possession of the Army of the Cumberland.
At the crossing of Elk River, a very sad and peculiar
death occurred in Company C. The First Tennessee was
fording the river, which was considerably swollen by the
recent rain, and just as Company C reached the opposite
bank, Private Calvin Walker fell from his horse and expired
without uttering a word, and opposite his name the follow
ing entry was made : "Died from heart failure."
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. • 79
When it was learned that Bragg had crossed the moun
tain, the cavalry returned to Decherd Station. Nothing of
special interest occurred at this place except a national salute
fired by our batteries in honor of the glorious Fourth. After
a short rest at Decherd Station, the First Tennessee, with
the remainder of the cavalry, moved through Winchester
to Salem, where the regiment enjoyed a few days of rest
and recreation.
In this brief campaign General Rosecrans lost eighty-
five men killed, four hundred and eighty-two wounded, and
thirteen captured. The loss of killed and wounded in
Bragg's army is unknown, but he left behind him one thou
sand, six hundred and thirty-four officers and men as pris
oners, eight cannon and three siege guns.
Before leaving Salem, we received the glorious news
of the two great Union victories at Gettysburg and Vicks-
burg on July 4th, in honor of which a national salute was
fired.
On the 1 2th, General Stanley again put his cavalry in
motion for Huntsville, by way of New Market, reaching the
former place on the I4th. It was near the latter place that
General R. L. McCook was cruelly and savagely murdered
by "bushwhackers," about a year before. He was riding at
the time in an ambulance, prostrated by sickness, and some
distance in advance of his brigade. On account of this atro
cious act, all houses, out-buildings, barns and fences were
entirely destroyed near where he was killed, making the
country look desolate.
Huntsville is a beautiful little town, surrounded by rich
and fertile fields, while from its center a large, magnificent
spring furnishes not only the inhabitants with pure, crystal
\vater, but in addition furnishes the power that forces the
water to the people. Our stay at Huntsville was cut short
by an order to move to Fayetteville, camping for a short time
north of town. In a few days the First Tennessee, with
the remainder of the division, struck tents and moved back
to Salem, by way of Gum Springs, going into camp near
80 • HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
Winchester. This camp and the incidents that happened
there, over thirty-five years ago, are still fresh in the mem
ory of the men composing the First Division, and will be
remembered by that gallant body of men until the final mus
ter-out.
General Mitchell was a rigid disciplinarian, and at this
place he seemed to have all the West Point rules transferred
to our camp, and, so far as we know, he enforced them. He
would have reveille sounded at 3 o'clfcolc each morning, and
the sleepy soldiers were compelled to get up and put on all
implements of war, saddle their horses, roll up overcoats
and blankets and strap them to their saddles, form in line
and stand "to horse" until daylight. When taps, or lights-
out was sounded, every light was expected to be put out
immediately; in fact, some of the boys declared that the
guard would start on their rounds to see that the order was
strictly complied with before the last sound of this beautiful
call had died away in the distant hills. And if a soldier was
found with a light burning in his tent, he was taken to the
provost-marshal's headquarters and there either tied up by
the thumbs or made to carry a rail from three to five hours.
On the march, no straggling was permitted, not even
for the purpose of securing water to drink, and if a soldier
was found away from his command without permission, he
was dismounted and forced to march the remainder of the
day in the rear of the army. But the men learned that "the
way of the transgressor is hard," and "the wages of sin is
death," and that when orders are violated those who do so
must suffer the consequences. Three things are necessary
to make good soldiers. The first thing is discipline; the
second, discipline ; the third, discipline ; and it was not long
until the boys fancied the three things were subject to mul
tiplication several times. We were awakened by discipline;
roll-call, guard-mounting, drill, cooking beans and bacon,
were all done by discipline as well. But one truthful thing
can be said to the credit of the First Tennessee, and that is,
it did not furnish any more material for violations of these
orders than other regiments of the division.
FIRST LIEUTENANT W. F. FOWLER, COMPANY A
BADGE OF WILSON'S CAVALRY CORPS,
Army of the Cumberland
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 81
The last of July, the division was again ordered to re
turn to Fayetteville, going into camp between the Winches
ter turnpike and Elk River, and just east of the stone bridge.
This camp was in a grove of magnificent oak and beech
trees, whose spreading branches protected the troops from
the hot rays of the sun, while old "Mother Earth," which
was richly carpeted with a soft coat of grass, made a bed
much more preferable than the soft side of two fence rails.
This was also a historic camp, being the same ground that
was used by General Jackson as a rendezvous for his army
at the time of the outbreak of the Creek Indians, in October,
1813.
There had been numerous outrages committed by the
Creek Indians, and on the 3Oth of August, 1813, Weather-
ford, a noted chief, led about seven hundred warriors against
Fort Minims, which was garrisoned by one hundred and
fifty men, under Major Beasley ; but, after a brave and de
termined resistance, the fort was captured and all the garri
son was massacred except seventeen, who made their escape.
All eyes were now turned to Jackson and his faithful sol
diers, who had hardly reached their homes from a campaign
against the Indians. In his call for five thousand militia,
General Jackson said: "Already large bodies of hostile
Creeks are marching to your borders, with their scalping-
knives unsheathed, to butcher your women and children r
time is not to be lost. We must hasten to the frontier, or
we shall find it drenched in the blood of our citizens. The
health of your general is restored — he will command in per
son."
General Cocke commanded the troops from East Ten
nessee. General Coffee was sent to Huntsville, Alabama,
with his mounted volunteers, and on the nth of October he
sent word to Jackson that he was about to be attacked by one
thousand Creek warriors. This word reached Jackson's
camp at Fayetteville, and he at once put his army in motion
for Huntsville, making the entire distance of thirty-two miles
in less than five hours. General Jackson was a noted Indian
82 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
fighter, and his faithful militia, in the war with the deluded
Indians, won for themselves a bright reputation, making a
"Tennessee rifleman superior to a Wellington invincible."
In 1811, General Jackson was at Natchez, Mississippi,
on business, and on his return home he was asked by an
agent of the Choctaw Indians if he had a pass, to which he
replied with spirit : "Yes, sir ; I always carry mine with me ;
I am a free-born American citizen, and that is a passport all
over the world."
This was a good place to camp, for it was
Water to the right of you !
Corn to the left of you !
Fence-rails in front of you !
And into this camp of water, corn and fence-rails, rode the
brave First Tennessee. Forage was plentiful, and during
the two weeks of rest and inactivity our horses recruited up
and were in good condition when the next move was made.
Nothing of special interest occurred while the regiment lay
in this "summer resort," as^the boys called it, the idle hours
of the men being spent in bathing and fishing. There was
a large flouring mill on Elk River, below the stone bridge,
which was impressed and set to work for "Uncle Sam,"
grinding wheat and corn for the army, A detail was made
from Company C and placed in charge, and as fast as the
grain was brought in, it was converted into flour and meal
and issued to the army.
On the loth day of August, Mitchell's division was
ordered to Huntsville, where it remained for two days, when
the regiment moved with the remainder of the division, by
slow and easy march, along the Memphis & Charleston rail
road, to Stevenson, Alabama, by way of Paint Rock, Lar-
kinsville, Scottsboro and Bellefonte, reaching Stevenson on
the 1 5th. Here the Memphis & Charleston and the Nash
ville & Chattanooga railroads unite, and, after winding
around the base of Lookout Mountain, enter Chattanooga
on a single track.
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 83
On the 1 7th, the First Tennessee was ordered to Boli
var, where for a short time it was actively engaged in scout
ing, picketing and guarding the ferries and fords along the
Tennessee River. The last of the month the regiment re
turned to Stevenson and went into camp near Caperton's
Ferry, on the Tennessee River. The railroad to Nashville
had been repaired and the welcome sound of the locomotive
was greeted with cheers as the great iron monster rolled into
the Union camp each day, loaded with supplies for the army,
which then lay near Stevenson, the left extending to Bridge
port and up Sequatchie Valley toward Jasper.
General Rosecrans had successfully maneuvered Bragg
out of Tullahoma and forced him, by flank movements, to
cross the Tennessee River. Chattanooga now became the
objective point, but the topography of the country around
Chattanooga was such that to capture it by direct attack
would cost weeks of hard, patient labor, beside the loss in
men, for Bragg had made good use of his time in strength
ening this great stronghold. Cumberland Mountain, Wai-
den's Ridge and the Tennessee River were between Rose
crans and Chattanooga, each forming the first great barrier.
These mountains, with subordinate hills, were greatly in the
way of a direct and successful advance upon Chattanooga,
especially with a large army, encumbered with wagons and
artillery.
Chattanooga at that time was a very important place,
not only as a great military point, but was also a great dis
tributing place, it being the main gateway east and south,
and in order to obtain this great prize without forcing Bragg
into battle behind his works, General Rosecrans resorted
again to his well-known flank movement to dislodge his an
tagonist.
The route to Bragg's left flank was rough and mountain
ous and was almost destitute of water, as well as forage.
Sand and Lookout Mountains, with their steep and rugged
sides, with bad roads, presented a barrier almost too great
for an army to undertake, and especially when all the sup-
84 HISTORY OF HRST REGIMENT
plies and ammunition must be transported across them in
army wagons. This alone was a serious question, and no
doubt cost General Rosecrans a great many sleepless nights.
The rainy season was over, and September came in, hot and
dry, insuring good roads so indispensable for the successful
and rapid movement of the Union army for Bragg's left
and rear. The Army of the Cumberland, under Rosecrans,
lay along the southwest side of the Tennessee River : the
greater portion, however, was at Stevenson and Bridge
port.
TENNESSEE: VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 85
CHAPTER VI.
ADVANCE OF THE ARMY — CLIMBING MOUNTAINS — SCENERY
ABOVE THE CLOUDS — DARING MOVE OF THE FIRST TENNES
SEE — LOST IN A MOUNTAIN — BLOODY CHICKAMAUGA —
TWO DAYS ON THE FIELD CRAWFISH SPRING ON THE
MOVE — -WATCHING WHEELER.
General Rosecrans having completed plans for a gen
eral advance of his army, a pontoon bridge was thrown
across the Tennessee river at Caperton's Ferry, on the 2Qth
day of August, and on the 1st day of September, Stanley's
cavalry broke camp and crossed over and camped for a few
days at Carperton's Spring, near the base of Sand Mountain.
Johnson's and Davis' divisions, Twentieth Corps, followed
as a support to Stanley's cavalry. A halt was made until
the 3rd, to allow the army to cross and close up. On the
morning of the 3rd, everything being in "trim" for the ad
vance, the First Tennessee, with the remainder of Stanley's
cavalry, began to ascend Sand Mountain.
As we marched up the steep, rocky side of the moun
tain, the rising sun on the 3rd of September shed its rays
on the long lines of blue marching slowly along the wind
ing, zig-zag road that led up the mountain side. Sometimes
the line was visible in a half-dozen places, so short were the
crooks in the road. Heavy details were made to aid the
teamsters in getting the heavily loaded wagons to the sum
mit. The drivers shouted and yelled themselves hoarse —
yes, and "cussed" a little, too, at the ever-willing, ever-
ready, patient government mule, who, unmindful of the sur
roundings, was so faithfully tugging away at the loaded
wagons.
When the summit was reached, wre paused for a few
86 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
minutes and gazed upon one of the most beautiful views to
be found in this part of the country. To the northwest, we
could see the beautiful Tennessee River, which wound in
its serpentine course along the base of Lookout and Sand
Mountains, while range after range of small mountains
greeted the vision as far as the eye could reach. The low,
rumbling sound of the artillery and wagons could be faintly
heard as they too moved slowly up the mountain.
We were now on the top of Sand Mountain, which at
the place we crossed is level, and as we marched along the
sandy road we were not very favorably impressed with that
portion of Alabama. We crossed during the day Flat Creek,
a small, sluggish stream that flows lazily along the top of
the mountain. Late in the afternoon, we marched down the
mountain and bivouacked for the night in Wills' Valley,
having marched twenty-two miles during the day. The
next morning the march was resumed, and we moved
through Winston's Gap into Little Will's Valley at Valley
Head, and then, turning south, the army went into camp
for the night four miles from Valley Head.
On the morning of the 5th, Campbell's brigade was sent
south on a scout, and when near Rawlingsville the enemy
were encountered. Colonel Brownlow was ordered to charge
them with his regiment, which he did, driving the enemy two
miles through a heavy cloud of dust, in which men and
horses were almost overcome with heat and dust.
From Rawlingsville the brigade pushed on south to
Lebanon, which was found unoccupied, the enemy having
evacuated the place the night before. The brigade was
ordered to return to its camp at Allen's farm, the next three
days being rest-days. Our wagon train and the Twentieth
Corps, which followed the route taken by Stanley's cavalry,
reached us at this place. We were now about forty-two
miles south of Chattanooga.
General Stanley moved his cavalry at daylight on the
Qth up the valley to Winston's Gap, where all of his troops
crossed Lookout Mountain, reaching Broomtown Valley at
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 87
Alpine, Georgia. At this place, late in the afternoon, we
had a brisk skirmish with some Mississippi troops. We lay
in line of battle during the night along the base of Lookout
Mountain. The night was quite cold, making overcoats a
welcome companion. Before leaving this place we learned
through our scouts that Bragg had evacuated Chattanooga.
So, without a battle, the primary object of this short cam
paign — Chattanooga, the great "gateway" to the south — fell
into our hands, the result of Rosecrans' strategy.
The loth was spent scouting in the direction of Melville,
on the road leading to Rome. The next day, the First Di
vision, under McCook, was again sent toward Rome, and,
after crossing Chattooga River, the First Tennessee was
sent forward on the road leading to Rome, and after, moving
about five miles on this road, Colonel Brownlow sent Lieu
tenant-Colonel Dyer, with half of the regiment, toward
Rome. The other half, under Colonel Brownlow, moved to
Dirt Town, on the road leading from Rome to Dalton.
The writer was sent forward in charge of the advance
guard, and we had not gone far before we captured two
Confederates who belonged to some Georgia regiment, and
learned from them that Forrest's and Wharton's divisions
of Wheeler's command were encamped only a short distance
ahead. If the sun had sud'denly ceased to shine, it would
have been no greater surprise to our captives than the sight
of blue-coats. They did not believe at first that we were
''Yankees," but when they saw the flags they became con
vinced, and wanted to know wThat we were doing down in
"Dixie," the land of cotton.
With this information we pushed ahead, and at dark
attacked and drove in Wheeler's pickets. Colonel Brown-
low nowr ordered forward his detachment, and a running
fight was kept up for a mile or two, only halting when we
heard Wheeler's bugles sounding "boots and saddles." We
captured fifteen prisoners, and on our return destroyed a
small bridge that we supposed spanned Chattooga river.
From the men captured we learned that a large force of
88 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
infantry and cavalry was near by, and being so far from the
remainder of the division, our position was critical, for we
knew the night was never too dark or the day too cold for
Wheeler to let an opportunity slip if there was any pros
pect of capturing the First Tennessee cavalry.
The night was dark, and as we quietly moved back we
could hear the rumbling of Bragg' s wagons as they moved
along the Rome and Lafayette road. We were marching
along late in the night, tired and sleepy, when a voice rang
out, "Halt! Who comes there? " Our advance guard
answered, "Friends, without the countersign." Could it be
friend or foe making the challenge? One of the advance
guard dismounted and advanced to find out who dared to
stop us on the highway. The faithful sentinel was a member
of the Second Indiana Cavalry,, of our division. We
marched a short distance, crossed Chattooga River, and went
into camp for the night. On lighting our camp-fires we
found we were in the midst of sweet potatoes and peanuts,
which helped to piece out our rations, which were getting
shorter each day.
Lieutenant-Colonel Dyer, after leaving the regiment,
moved forward rapidly on the road leading to Rome. Meet
ing with but little opposition, he continued his march to a
place called "The Narrows," within ten miles of Rome,
where he drove in the enemy's pickets, capturing several
prisoners, a lot of arms and equipments. Both detachments
were successful, and obtained some very valuable and use
ful information of the enemy's movements, and after having
accomplished the object for which the reconnoissance was
made, they returned without loss.
On the following morning General McCook moved his
division back to Alpine. The camp was hardly quiet when
an order came for McCook to move his division to the sup
port of Crook, who at that time was near Lafayette. By 1 1
a. m. on the I2th, the whole of McCook's division was on
the march, going up the Broomtown Valley road, camping
for the night near Summerviile. The march was resumed
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 89
the next morning at 6 o'clock toward Lafayette, and when
within three miles of the latter place the Ninth Pennsylvania,
the leading regiment of Campbell's brigade, encountered
the enemy's pickets and drove them back for two miles upon
their main line.
The First Tennessee was formed in line on the right
of the road and moved forward through the woods, and as
the regiment emerged at the opposite side, a battery opened
fire at short range. The artillerymen were either new men
or old ones "excited," for each shot passed harmlessly above
our heads. One shell exploded directly over the colors of
the regiment, but no one was struck with the flying frag
ments.
The Ninth Pennsylvania charged along the road
through a perfect cloud of dust, which completely con
cealed the enemy, who now opened a brisk fire, killing and
wounding several men. The Second Michigan deployed and
followed the Ninth Pennsylvania as a support. Campbell
was about to renew the fight when he received orders to
fall back, the enemy shelling the woods furiously in our rear
as we left the field.
The prisoners captured belonged to Breckinridge's di
vision of Hill's corps, and from them we learned that
Bragg's headquarters was in Lafayette, and that his army
was in close proximity. Bragg was equally as anxious to
find out the location and position of Rosecrans; army, which
at that time was very much scattered, and evidently Bragg
intended to whip Rosecrans in detail. This movement of
the Union cavalry to Lafayette developed the fact that
Bragg's army lay near there and that he was equally inter
ested in locating Rosecrans' army.
It was exceedingly hot and dry, no rain having fallen
since the 1st of September, and. the great clouds of dust
raised by our industrious cavalry were at times almost un
bearable ; in fact, the movements of either army could almost
be traced by the dust raised by the marching troops. But,
fortunately for the men and horses, there was plenty of
90 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
water, and when a halt was made the dust, which was
streaked with perspiration, was washed off so that we could
distinguish one comrade from another.
General Stanley was unable to communicate with Rose-
crans by the valley road, it being held by Bragg. The whole
command was moved back to Alpine, where it bivouacked
for the night. The only avenue of escape for Stanley's
troops was to re-cross Lookout Mountain and move up the
west side. On the morning of the I4th, we left our camp
at the foot of the mountain and began to climb Lookout.
When we reached the summit we could see great clouds
of dust raised by the marching Confederates, and as we
looked down from our lofty position on our dust-covered
pursuers we rather enjoyed seeing them battle with the dust
down in the valley. It was a great change. Free from the
dust and the enemy, and fanned by the cool mountain breeze,
we almost wanted to tarry longer.
We encamped at night on the top of the mountain, on
Yellow Fork of Little River. Here Robert Hixon, Com
pany C, who was captured at College Grove, reported for
duty. Resuming the march the next morning, the whole
command descended from Lookout Mountain and moved
up Will's Valley and bivouacked near Valley Head. At this
place, General Stanley, who had been very ill for several
days, turned over his command to General Mitchell and
was sent to Nashville for treatment.
When our cavalry left Will's Valley on the 9th, all the
wagons and the sick were left behind, so on our return we
were glad to see them, for our rations were getting short.
A fresh supply was issued to the men, the horses shod, and
once more we cut loose from our trains and, marching
through Winston's Gap, re-crossed Lookout Mountain at
Dougherty's Gap and once more entered Georgia, and
camped for the night in McLemore's Cove, having marched
eighteen miles over bad roads.
Every surviving member of the First Tennessee who
was with the regiment on the night of September 16 will
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 91
recall the thrilling experience in descending Lookout Moun
tain at McLemore's Cove. The night was dark, and we
missed the road, consequently it was more of a slide than a
march. It was a thrilling experience to us, and to this day
we cannot understand how we ever reached the base with
out serious loss.
On reaching McLemore's Cove, General Mitchell found
the Union army had moved toward Crawfish Spring, where
Rosecrans was making a desperate attempt to unite his
scattered forces. General Bragg was heavily reinforced
with troops from Georgia and Mississippi, and with this
superior force at hand he began to mass his troops on Rose
crans' left, and in order to conceal this move he made active
demonstrations on the Union left. But, with all of his
shrewdness, he never caught old "Rosy" napping; in fact,
Rosecrans had his army united before Bragg was ready to
deliver battle.
On the 1 7th, McCook's division was moved up near
Cedar Grove Church. We were now approaching the battle
field, for occasionally we could hear the distant boom of
cannon, and as the fire increased and gave assurances of a
general engagement, the troops closed their ranks, tightened
their belts and moved steadily forward with that firm and
soldierly alacrity which characterizes the action of brave and
determined men on the eve of battle. As we moved forward
our minds wandered to our far-off homes, where loved ones
were anxiously waiting with bated breath the result of the
battle, the last letter from the front having told of the
approaching conflict.
Resuming the march the next morning, we moved to
Bailey's Cross Roads and bivouacked for the night. Early
on the morning of the iQth, the column was set in motion
by way of Pond Spring to Crawfish Spring. On approach
ing the latter place, a sharp engagement occurred between
the Second Brigade of McCook's division and the enemy's
cavalry.
The enemy being repulsed, we moved on to Crawfish
92 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
Spring and formed in line of battle to the right of McCook's
Twentieth Corps. The writer will not attempt to give a
detailed account of the battle of Chickamauga, it being
familiar to the men who were engaged in it, and those who
were not can consult more elaborate works.
On the morning of the 19th, the Union army lay along
the southwest side of Chickamauga Creek. The ground
over which this great battle was fought is almost level, the
greater portion being covered with a low, scrubby growth
of timber. The battle was fought without the aid of breast
works, and possibly no battle of the war had fewer obstruc
tions to conceal the movements of the contending forces.
General Mitchell formed his cavalry in line in front and to
the left of Crawfish Spring, and during the afternoon of the
igth, there wrere several sharp engagements between the
enemy's cavalry, who were trying to gain our rear by the
Dry Valley read. Our ammunition and supply trains were
also in this valley, and Mitchell's orders were, "Hold Craw
fish Spring at all hazards."
During the day the cavalry was advanced and took up
a position along the southwest bank of Chickamauga
Creek, meaning in the Indian tongue, "the river of death."
The enemy made several attempts to cross at the different
fords during the afternoon, but were driven back. During
the afternoon the battle to our left raged with all the fury
of a storm. The terrible discharges of artillery and the vol
leys of musketry shook the earth ; the smoke hung low and
almost shut out from view the contending armies, but above
all the din and noise of battle, the shouts of the charging
columns could be heard as the tide of battle ebbed and
flowed.
There was a constant shifting and working of the Union
lines toward our left, consequently the cavalry was soon left
without infantry support, but we maintained our position
throughout the struggle, and only retired when the day was
lost. The first day's battle closed with severe loss on both
sides ; in fact, but little advantage had been gained by either
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 93
side. It was a day in which both sides had made a series of
brilliant charges in favor of first one side and then the other.
The exhausted men, with parched lips, lay down on their
arms to pass a cheerless and comfortless night on the battle
field, with dead and wounded comrades on all sides. During
the night, Rosecrans adjusted his lines and gave orders for
the disposition and movements of his troops the next day. In
this day's struggle the First Tennessee lost one man wounded
— Corporal W. A. Cannon, of Company C.
Bragg was heavily reinforced during the night by Long-
street's army from Virginia, and at a meeting of his gen
erals he laid before them his plan of battle for the following
day. His plan was to divide his army into two commands
and assign as commanders his two senior Lieutenant-Gen-
erals, Polk and Longstreet. On Sunday morning, the 2Oth,
a heavy fog hung over the battlefield, which concealed the
movements of the troops. During the night the Union troops
on some portions of the line built temporary breastworks of
rails and logs, and behind them the veterans of the Army
of the Cumberland awaited the attack.
It was about half past 8 o'clock when Bragg ordered
Polk to make a vigorous attack upon the Union left. This
part of our line was held by Thomas, the hero of Mill
Springs. The Confederates rushed forward with their well-
known "rebel yell," and after two hours of desperate fight
ing they failed in their attempt to turn the Union left, or
even gain any advantage, and sullenly fell back. On this
part of the line the fighting was desperate. Bayonets were
freely baptized in blood. Here it was that Breckinridge's
division suffered such heavy loss, General Helm, of Ken
tucky, falling at this place. Generals Cleburne and Stewart
made mention in their reports that the musketry and artillery
fire was the most destructive they had ever encountered.
The fighting gradually opened all aV^ng the line, and
soon the roar of artillery and the rattle of musketry had
increased to one continuous sound. On the extreme right,
Mitchell's cavalry was contending heroically against Bragg's
94 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
infantry and cavalry — still protecting the right of McCook's
corps. Both flanks of the Union army were well protected
by the cavalry ; in fact, they were so vigilant and kept the
enemy so closely engaged that he was unable to use his
cavalry at any other part of the line. The fighting on the
Union left early in the morning was along the Lafayette
road, and evidently Bragg intended to crush this part of
Rosecrans' line and gain Rossville Gap, through which runs
the Chattanooga and Lafayette road.
Had it not been for a blunder made by an aide with but
little knowledge of the meaning of military terms, it is ex
ceedingly doubtful if the Army of the Cumberland would
have been driven from the field of Chickamauga. On the
Union left, the storm of battle had spent its force, and
Thomas was still holding his own against great odds. The
center and right had successfully resisted the repeated at
tacks of Longstreet's troops during the morning. Here is
a copy of the fatal order:
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
September 20th, 10 145 a. m.
BRIGADIER-GENERAL WOOD, Commanding Division :
The general commanding directs that you close up on Reynolds
as fast as possible and support him. Respectfully, etc.,
FRANK S. BOND,
Major and Aide-de-Camp.
General Wood says: "I received the order about n
o'clock. At the moment of its receipt I was a short distance
in rear of the center of my command." Wood was a West
Pointer, and saw it was impossible for him to execute the
order literally. Wood's left was aligned with Brannan's
right and he saw no way to close up on Reynold's but to
withdraw and pass to the left in rear of Brannan, which he
did. This left a gap in the Union line the length of two
brigades, and at that moment Longstreet, who was advanc
ing in heavy force, saw it, and immediately threw the divis
ions of Hood, Kershaw, Johnson and Hindman into this
gap. The right center and the whole right wing was dis-
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 95
abled, and to resist this sudden and fierce assault McCook,
with the remainder of his corps, tried to stay the tide, and
in doing so the brave and gallant Lytle fell. At this point
our army lost more than a thousand prisoners, thirty-five
cannon and a lot of wagons.
General Thomas, "The Rock of Chickamauga," with
the remainder of the army — about five divisions — and the
reserves under Granger, re-formed his troops on the crest of
Horseshoe Ridge, between the Lafayette and Dry Valley
roads. Here during that long Sunday afternoon the most
desperate fighting of the day was done, against fearful
odds.
About 4 o'clock, Bragg determined to make one more
attempt to capture Horseshoe Ridge. He at once ordered
up his reserves under Preston, supported by Stewart's corps,
and with wild yells and confident of success they dashed at
our lines, but were again repulsed. Here the slaughter was
frightful. The Union troops searched the cartridge-boxes
of friend as well as foe for ammunition.
General Mitchell, in his report of the battle of Chicka
mauga, says : "About 3 p. m. I received verbal orders from
an orderly from General McCook to fall back, as our right
had been turned. Not deeming an order of so important a
nature as that, coming in such a manner, valid, I did not
move, as I had been ordered in the morning to hold Crawfish
Spring at all hazards, but sent a staff officer to ascertain the
position of affairs and, if possible, communicate with either
General McCook or Rosecrans. From him I learned that
our right had been driven round and that everything on
the right was moving toward Chattanooga, up Chattanooga
Valley."
After all the wagons had been started toward Chatta
nooga under an escort, all the ambulances were loaded with
wounded soldiers who were able to ride. It will be remem
bered that at the opening of the battle of Chickamauga the
principal hospital for the reception of the wounded was es
tablished at Crawfish Spring, and no better place could have
96 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
been selected. The Lee Mansion and all out-buildings were
used, beside tents. Just a short distance from this old
homestead, a large, magnificent spring gushes out from
under a ledge of stone, and from this famous "Crawfish
Spring" thousands of our wounded quenched their thirst.
Around this mansion numerous large, stately oaks are found,
whose outspreading branches protected our wounded from
the hot rays of the sun. The writer visited the battlefield
a few years ago, and found but few changes had been made,
the general appearance being unchanged. At the celebrated
Crawfish Spring a busy water-wheel is to be seen supplying
the old mansion with water, the spring not only supplying
the water but the power which runs the pump as well.
The turn of affairs on our left cut us off from all com
munication with AlcCook, who was in command on the right,
and Mitchell was left to make his way as best he could
toward Chattanooga. The scene around the hospital at
Crawfish Spring when we left was one of peculiar sadness,
and to be seen was never to be forgotten. Hundreds of our
men who had been taken from the battlefield badly wounded
had answered to the last roll-call amid the boom of cannon,
and as the living demanded all the time and attention of
those in charge, the dead, for the time being, were laid out
in rows, side by side, awaiting the burial party.
McCook's division covered the withdrawal of the trains
to Chattanooga and, although cut off as it was and almost
surrounded with infantry and cavalry, the retreat was made
in good order and without the loss of a wagon. There were
several sharp attacks made upon Mitchell's cavalry before
leaving Crawfish Spring, but each was repulsed, and at 5
p. m. it left for Chattanooga.
Just here I want to relate an incident that occurred at
the time of our withdrawal from Crawfish Spring. It serves
as a reminder of that true friendship that existed among
soldiers. When the ambulances and wagons had been
loaded, there yet remained thousands of our wounded com
rades, and in the absence of orders, our boys began to dis-
COKPOBAL GEO. M. TKOBAUUH, COMPANY I>
M. C. WILLIAMS,
First Sergeant-Major of the Regiment, and Lieut. Co. G
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 97
mount and place a wounded soldier in his stead, and in this
way hundreds could have been brought from the red field of
ChickamaugcU When our commander found out that we
were letting our wounded soldiers ride, he made all dis
mount and return to the hospital, giving as his reason that
if we should be attacked the wounded would be greatly in
the way, some scarcely being able to sit on the horses when
quietly marching along, while our dismounted men would
also be of little service.
We fell back toward Chattanooga, bringing off two
guns which had been abandoned by the troops of McCook's
corps. Mitchell marched his command six miles toward
Chattanooga and bivouacked for the night in line of battle.
The next morning the whole command was placed in
line of battle across the Chattanooga Valley road, and dur
ing the day the enemy's cavalry moved up and several light
skirmishes occurred, but no severe attack was made. This
valley was full of stragglers, all going at a "two-forty gait"
toward Chattanooga. During the day the Second Brigade
opened up communication with the right wing of the Union
army and held Woods' Gap, in Missionary Ridge, through
which a road enters, leading to Dry Valley. We again
bivouacked in line of battle, and early the next morning it
was discovered that we were almost surrounded. Orders
were issued immediately for us to fall back with as little
noise as possible.
The artillery wheels were muffled by wrapping blankets
around them, the cavalry, except the rear-guard, was dis
mounted, and each man was required to carry his saber in
his hand to avoid noise, and in this way we moved some dis
tance along the foot of Lookout Mountain, leading our
horses, not being allowed to speak above a whisper. As
we passed the end of Lookout Mountain, we saw the Third,
Fifth and Sixth Tennessee Volunteers of the old Twenty-
fifth Brigade, standing in line of battle. This brigade had
been thrown out as an advance-guard and to cover the re
treat of the L^nion army.
98 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
Soon after we passed them, the enemy made an attack,
but were driven back after a brisk skirmish. We were
halted in Chattanooga, near Fort Negley, where we found
the Union troops working like beavers, throwing up breast
works.
The September returns of Rosecrans' army showed a
total effective force of 67,584, yet when the troops that were
guarding bridges, trains and other important places are
taken out, it is exceedingly doubtful if Rosecrans had in the
two days' battle over 56,000 men. As Bragg made no
monthly report, it is difficult to get the exact figures, but
from the best information obtainable his total effective force
during the battle was not far from 70,000 men. Here is the
loss in the two days' fighting:
Killed Wounded Missing Total
Union, 1,700 9,394 5,255 16,349
Confederate, 2,673 16,274 2,003 20,950
As many of those on our side reported as missing were
among the slain, the number of killed no doubt exceeded
the loss given. The results of the battle were of no benefit
to Bragg, as we still held Chattanooga, while on the other
hand it was an immense drain on the resources of his army.
The total loss in the cavalry for the two days was four
hundred and sixty-eight. General Rosecrans, in his report
of the Chattanooga campaign and the battle of Chickamauga,
says : "As to the cavalry, the accompanying reports are so
full that I need only add that as an arm of the service it has
been equal to its duty on all occasions, and on the i8th,
1 9th and 2Oth of September it behaved with conspicuous
gallantry, covering our shattered right, and protected our
trains in the valley of Chattanooga Creek on the 2Oth. It
is greatly due to the behavior of the cavalry on that day
that we lost none of our wagons, and that many of our
ambulances and some of our artillery and caissons came
safely into the place."
Late in the afternoon of the 22nd, Mitchell was ordered
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 99
to move his cavalry to the north side of the Tennessee River.
He began crossing at 6 o'clock, near the point of an island
a short distance above Chattanooga. The river at this place
was very wide, and at the north bank was quite deep, yet
the crossing was made with only the loss of a few horses.
As we were crossing, Bragg shelled us from Missionary
Ridge, but did no harm except to keep us "a little uneasy."
We lay in camp opposite Chattanooga for one day, and then
moved to Severly Springs, six miles from Chattanooga. On
the night of the 25th, our camp had hardly gotten quiet
when ''them confounded old buglers" began to blow "boots
and saddles" — a call that the First Tennessee was exceed
ingly familiar with. It was a ground-hog case, and we had
to go. We immediately crawled out of our tents, saddled
our horses, and at 9 p. m. left camp, and marched rapidly
toward Walden's Ridge, which we crossed during the night,
reaching Jasper, in the Sequatchie Valley, early the next
morning. If anyone thinks that we had a "picnic" in cross
ing Walden's Ridge that night, we will object and say that
"wise heads will differ."
After a short halt to feed and get breakfast, the com
mand was pushed forward to Bridgeport. On the 27th,
Campbell's brigade was ordered to Stevenson, and from this
place was pushed on to Pump Spring, where pickets and
patrols were thrown out along the river. This hasty move
was made for the purpose of watching Wheeler, who was
reported to be moving toward the river and, if possible, to
cross and break our communications. On the 28th, the First
Tennessee and Ninth Pennsylvania were ordered to Belle-
font to reinforce the third brigade of our division, who re
ported that Wheeler was trying to cross near that place.
After marching hard for six miles, word reached us that the
enemy had been driven back across the river, and we re
turned to our camp at Pump Springs, near Stevenson.
100 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
CHAPTER VII.
WHEELER'S GREAT RAID — LARGE WAGON TRAIN BURNED — THE
PURSUIT — ^WINCHESTER — FIGHTING BUSHWHACKERS —
LIEUT. BOWMAN ATTACKED NEAR SPARTA — HIS SOLDIERS
KILLED AFTER SURRENDERING — TAKE NO PRISONERS.
BROWNLOW QUIETS THE "GUERRILLAS."
When General Bragg evacuated Chattanooga, the un
finished works left by him were at once strengthened by
Rosecrans. The Army of the Cumberland, it is true, had
been driven from Chickamauga, and now lay behind the
almost impregnable works, yet the confidence of "Old Rosy"
was not shaken because of his failure to hold the field.
Bragg moved up- and threatened to attack Rosecrans in his
works, but after a few days of maneuvering, he disposed of
his forces and laid siege to the town, hoping in this way to
accomplish what he had failed to do in battle.
Bragg took possession of Missionary Ridge and built
a strong line of works on the crest, extending from the
Tennessee River, above town, across the Chattanooga Val
ley to the top of Lookout Mountain. The latter place in
November became historical, it being the place where Hooker
fought the battle "above the clouds."
The railroad from Nashville had been repaired, and
the cars were running to Bridgeport, on the Tennessee River.
From this point, the supplies for the Union army were
hauled in army wagons over the mountains to Chattanooga.
This route was up Sequatchie Valley and across Walden's
Ridge. Bragg had a large and well-equipped force of cav
alry, and decided to move it upon this "overland route"
and destroy it. His cavalry was to cross the river at three
different points and move in whatever direction that prom
ised the best results.
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 101
On the 30th day of September, Wheeler succeeded in
crossing Tennessee River at Washington with at least six
thousand men and moved toward Walden's Ridge. General
Crook, with the Second Division, was guarding the river
above Chattanooga, but owing to the scattered condition of
his troops, Wheeler was able to drive back the small force at
Washington and cross to the west side. Once across,
Wheeler pushed rapidly toward the communications of the
army. By the time Crook had collected his scattered troops,
Wheeler had several hours the start.
At the time Wheeler crossed the river McCook's First
Division was distributed along the south side from Bridge
port to Bellefont, but on receipt of orders he started in pur
suit with the Second Brigade. Colonel Campbell started
with his brigade October 2, at I p. m., from Stevenson, by
way of Bridgeport, to Anderson's Cross Roads, in Sequat-
chie Valley. The First Tennessee moved with the brigade
and reached McCook four miles north of Anderson's Cross
Roads at 10 a. m. on the 3rd, having marched fifty miles,
making only two short halts to feed the tired and almost
worn-out horses.
McCook, without waiting for his division to unite,
pushed ahead with the Second Brigade, but was unable to
prevent the destruction of a part of Rosecrans' train.
Wheeler overtook the train near Anderson's Cross Roads,
and succeeded in burning something over three hundred
wagons and killed a large number of mules. LaGrange
charged the enemy with his brigade and drove him back,
recapturing a lot of wagons and eight hundred mules. The
enemy fell back about one mile south of Anderson's Cross
Roads and there made a stand behind a rail barricade.
McCook again charged with saber and routed Wheeler,
killing and capturing one hundred and sixteen. Among
the former was Major Reed, of Wheeler's staff. A portion
of the train was loaded with ammunition, and as we dashed
by, the explosions resembled a battle. Along with the train
were several sutlers, with their wagons well loaded with a
102 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
miscellaneous stock, and in the stampede their goods were
strewn about in tempting profusion. It was a grand treat
for Wheeler's men, and yet "a little costly."
McCook's division now being united, pushed on to Dun-
lap, where it bivouacked for the night. The troops engaged
were Martin's division, under the personal command of
Wheeler, and it was reported that he came very near being
captured. He divided his command before leaving the val
ley, sending Wharton with his division to McMinnville.
Early on the 4th, we left our camp at Dunlap and began the
ascent of Cumberland Mountain at Kane's Gap, and moved
rapidly on the direct road toward McMinnville, making only
one short halt on the mountain to feed. The road was lined
with empty boxes and cans, and dead mules.
General Crook, in command of the Second Division,
who was moving on a road north of us, entered McMinn
ville a short time before McCook, but neither command was
able to prevent the capture of the garrison, consisting mainly
of the Fourth Tennessee Volunteers, under the command of
Major Patterson.
After the capture of McMinnville and its garrison on
the 3rd, Wheeler destroyed all government stores and in
the most brutal manner robbed the officers and men of their
clothing, blankets, watches and money. There were no ar
tillery or forts to defend the place, and the small force
made the best defense they could against great odds, losing
seven killed and thirty wounded.
Wheeler left McMinnville for Murfresboro, closely pur
sued by the divisions of Crook and McCook, and a short dis
tance from McMinnville he was overtaken and roughly
handled by Crook's division. We moved through Woodbury
and early on the morning of the 6th entered Murfreesboro,
all tired and worn out. A halt was made long enough to
rest and feed our jaded horses. WTieeler, finding Murfrees
boro too strongly garrisoned, made no attempt to capture
the place, but cut the wire and, turning south, moved toward
Shelbyville. Four days' rations were issued to the men, and
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 103
at I o'clock the First Tennessee moved, with the remainder
of the division, toward Shelbyville, bivouacking for the
night near the latter place.
At Shelbyville, Wheeler divided his troops into three
columns. This caused some little delay in trying to find the
route he had taken. Mitchell ordered McCook to move to
Unionville by the nearest practicable route. On reaching
Unionville, \ve found the enemy had left and was moving
toward Duck River. We pursued on, and at night crossed
Duck River near Caney Springs, and camped for the night.
General Crook moved his division through Shelbyville on
the morning of the 7th and out along the road leading to
Farmington, and when near the latter place he encountered
Davidson's division and drove it back rapidly toward Farm
ington.
Here Wheeler had taken up a position in a cedar thicket,
but was driven out after some severe fighting in which both
sides lost quite heavily. Among the slain on the Union side
was the brave commander of the One Hundred and Twenty-
third Illinois Volunteers — Colonel James Monroe. On the
8th, we moved in pursuit through Lewisburg and Corners-
vine. The First Tennessee, the leading regiment, charged
into the latter place at dark and drove the enemy's rear
guard out. At the south edge of town we captured a courier
with a dispatch from Wheeler to one of his division com
manders, urging him to .move at once to Pulaski, where he
was trying to unite his army. The command was halted long
enough to feed, when the march was resumed and at 10
p. m. camped for the night seven miles from Pulaski.
The next morning the whole command was pushed for
ward to Pulaski, where we learned that the daring raider had
moved early in the night for Lamb's Ferry, where he ex
pected to cross the Tennessee River. All the weak and
lame horses were thrown out, and now came an exciting
race toward the river. The" First Tennessee joined in the
chase, which was continued throughout the day. There was
abundant evidence of a hasty flight, the road being lined with
broken-down horses, wagons, artillery, hats and guns.
104 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIME NT
Wheeler moved through Rogersville, and on the Qth
crossed Tennessee River at Lamb's Ferry. The Wheeler
raid was not a very great success, as it cost him most all of
his artillery, besides losing heavily in prisoners and deserters.
In this short but spirited campaign of eight days, we
marched over three hundred miles with but little sleep, and
the most of that distance was over rough mountain roads.
On the loth we left Rogersville and by slow and easy
march moved through Athens to Huntsville. At this place
Mitchell learned that Roddy was moving toward Winches
ter with a division of cavalry. McCook was ordered to pur
sue him with his division,, and on the I2th left Huntsville
and pushed forward toward New Market, with Campbell's
brigade in the advance. We marched ahead at a rapid gait
and toward night a heavy storm came up, but no halt was
made, the march being continued through rain and blinding
flashes of lightning. The Ninth Pennsylvania was leading
the brigade and just at dark encountered Roddy, who had
halted for the storm in a heavy grove of timber.
The Ninth Pennsylvania was dismounted and moved
forward, with the First Tennessee close behind as a sup
port. Roddy's troops opened a brisk fire, which wTas
answered with volleys from the carbines of the Ninth Penn
sylvania at close range, and in a short time the enemy fell
back and all became quiet. It was exceedingly dark and
the clouds still continued to "weep" during the night, making
our bivouac very unpleasant.
The pursuit was continued at daylight the next morning
in the direction of New Market. At the latter place we
learned from citizens that Roddy had at least six hours the
start of us, and owing to the thoroughly exhausted condi
tion of our horses it seemed impossible to overtake him.
From New Market, Roddy turned southwest, and after pur
suing him some time with no hope of overtaking his fast
retreating column the pursuit was abandoned. There were
signs of great haste along the line of retreat in the wray of
abandoned wagons, broken-down horses and hats.
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 105
This move of Roddy was no doubt intended to be made
in connection with the raid made by Wheeler, and the direc
tion he was moving clearly indicated that he fully intended
to strike our line of communication at or near Decherd, but
the defeat of Wheeler and his hasty flight out of Tennessee
greatly interfered with his arrangements. At 3 p. m. on the
1 3th, the pursuit ended, and Mitchell called for a detail of
a lieutenant and ten men to take an order to Crook, notifying
him to discontinue the pursuit.
Lieutenant John Roberts, with ten picked men and
horses from Company C, wras detailed for this hard and dan
gerous trip. The writer was one of the number, and the
lieutenant and his trusty men at once set out on their perilous
journey, moving rapidly toward Huntsville, expecting to
find Crook somewhere between Huntsville and Athens. We
were moving along the main road, thinking that we must be
Hearing the end of our journey, when we suddenly ran
into about an equal number of the enemy, who were just
dismounting at a farm-house by the roadside. We imme
diately opened fire and then charged them, when they fled
pell-mell in every direction.
Lieutenant Roberts, thinking it unwise to pursue them,
pushed ahead and shortly after dark found General Crook,
and, after delivering the order, started on the return trip.
When our little detachment reached the point where we left
the division, we found it had moyed away. Looking away to
our left, we could see the bright light of a camp, but were
unable to determine whether it was friend or foe. It had
been raining for the past two days, and the marching cav
alry had converted the dust into mortar by the constant and
steady tramp of thousands of hoofs. We dismounted and
examined the tracks, and found that a large body of mounted
troops had gone in the direction of the light. We moved cau
tiously along the road for some distance and again dis
mounted and made another examination. Matters were get
ting desperate by this time. Could it be that we were fol
lowing close on the rear of Roddy's division? We moved
106 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
a little distance from the road and held a short council to
decide what was best to do under the circumstances. It was
decided to wait for the return of daylight and then move
cautiously toward the lights that were still dimly burning.
Lieutenant Roberts moved his little "squad" some two
to three hundred feet to the right of the road into a heavy
body of timber and dismounted his men, and here occurred
an interesting "watch meeting," each one watching and wait
ing for the great luminary of the world to light up our
hiding-place. There was no sleep for this little band of
worn-out soldiers, and, drawing together, we discussed in
low whispered tones our situation.
When the first ray of light began to streak the eastern
sky, we mounted and moved forward in the direction of the
lights, and soon came in sight of the advance vedette, who
on close examination proved to be a "Yankee" — just the
kind \ve were looking for — and in a short time we rode into
the camp of the First Tennessee, and were joyfully received
by the boys, \vho thought that \ve were' captured.
On the 1 4th, the First Tennessee, with the remainder
of the division, moved to Branchville and camped for the
night. This march was made in a drenching rain, making
the roads almost impassable for the artillery and wagons, to
say nothing of the labor of our jaded horses in pulling
through the muddy roads.
On the 1 5th, we moved through Salem and went into
camp near Winchester, where the men and horses enjoyed
a short season of rest. The total loss in the First and Sec
ond Divisions in the Wheeler raid was one hundred and
twenty. Wheeler's loss was estimated at one thousand
killed, captured and deserted, and six pieces of artillery. His
greatest loss was at Farmington, where he lost eighty-six
killed and one hundred and thirty-seven wounded.
General Mitchell, in his report of the Wheeler raid, says :
"I think the record of the cavalry service during the entire
war cannot show a more severe campaign than the one m/
command has just closed. There was scarcely an hour dur-
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 107
ing the whole pursuit that the horses were unsaddled; for
days and nights together the men were in the saddle, almost
constantly on the march, and some days making as high as
fifty-three and fifty-seven miles. The greater part of the
time the troops were out of rations, and our hasty movements
gave them but little time to forage on the country ; that
the nights were very cold and the men without overcoats,
and I think the campaign challenges comparison with any
service performed during the war. Yet with all the hard
ships and severe duty necessarily devolving upon the men
they made not a murmur."
During October, several important changes took place
in the Army of the Cumberland. The Fourth Corps was
formed by the consolidation of the Twentieth and Twenty-
first, with General Gordon Granger commanding. The re
serves were attached to the Fourteenth Corps. General
W. S. Rosecrans was relieved and General George H.
Thomas placed in command of the Army of the Cumber
land. On the 1 8th of October, the military Division of the
Mississippi was created, and Major-General U. S. Grant
placed in command, and among his first orders to Thomas,
"The Rock of Chickamauga," was : "Hold Chattanooga at
all hazards. I will be there as soon as possible. Please in
form me how long your present supplies will last and the
prospect for keeping them up."
The answer was : "Two hundred and four thousand and
sixty-two rations in storehouse. Ninety-six thousand to
arrive- tomorrow, as all trains were loaded which had ar
rived at Bridgeport up to the i6th ; probably three hundred
wagons. We will hold the town till we starve."
The Eleventh and Twelfth Corps from the East, under
Hooker, were ordered to reinforce Thomas at Chattanooga.
About the 2ist, all the cavalry was ordered to Dechard to
be reviewed by General Grant, who was on his way to Chat
tanooga. This important occasion required some little prep
aration and cleaning up, after which we returned to our
camp.
108 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
On the 25th, the First Tennessee went on a scout to
Estell Springs and Tull.ahoma, on the Nashville & Chatta
nooga railroad. From Tullahoma the regiment turned west
and moved to Lynchburg, encamping there for the night.
On the morning of the 27th, the First Tennessee returned
to camp near Winchester. On the 3Oth, a detachment of the
regiment, under Lieutenant Bowman, of Company K, was
sent to Bellefont, Alabama, where he captured six men and
returned to camp without loss. The number of miles trav
eled by the First Tennessee during the months of September
and October reached the grand total of seven hundred and
fifty.
Now came a short rest spell, the first since leaving Tri
une in June, giving us an opportunity to clean up and remove
the accumulated dust of the past month. Since the opening
of this mid-summer campaign, the First Tennessee had
marched almost day and night over rough mountain roads,
through rain, mud, heat and dust, and during a part of that
time living on short rations. Men and horses were com
pletely worn out, consequently we all enjoyed this season of
rest. We laid out a regular camp and again enjoyed the
luxury of sleeping in our little "dog-tents," and wearing
blacked boots and "boiled" shirts. During our stay at Win
chester, the duty was exceedingly light, consequently the
men and horses were well rested and recruited by the time
the next move was made.
On the 1 6th of November, General D. S. Stanley was
relieved from duty as chief of cavalry, Army of the Cum
berland, and General W. L. Elliott placed in command.
While Bragg's army lay in front of Chattanooga, Long-
street, one of his most trusted lieutenants, was detached and
sent to operate against Burnside, who was holding East
Tennessee with a small force, with his headquarters at Knox-
ville. London, thirty miles southwest of Knoxville, was held
by Burnside as an outpost of his army. On the 3rd day of
November, Longstreet left his position in front of Chatta
nooga and moved up the valley toward Knoxville, with a
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 109
force of at least twenty-five thousand men. His orders were
to drive Burnside and his army out of East Tennessee.
This bold move of Longstreet caused some little uneasi
ness about the safety of our army, as it was a long distance
from its base of supplies, with bad roads and a mountainous
country intervening. The country had been stripped of sup
plies necessary for the maintenance of an army by the enemy,
which up to this time had been held by them. But the loyal
and patriotic people of East Tennessee came to the rescue
of the Union army, and by various methods succeeded in
keeping Burnside's army from starving during that terrible
winter of 1863-4, dividing the last pound of bacon and
bushel of wheat and corn.
On the 1 8th, McCook's division was ordered to Alexan
dria. The First Tennessee moved with the division through
Shelby ville, Murfreesboro and Milton. From the latter
place, Campbell's brigade moved to Liberty and went into
camp at the junction of the Auburn and Liberty turnpikes.
The remainder of the division was ordered to Alexandria.
While the regiment lay encamped at Liberty, the paymaster
visited our camp and made us happy, while we in turn made
our sutler happy by paying up "old scores" and purchasing
gloves, canned goods, cider and other bottled stuff the boys
called "fightin' whiskey," paying the sutler his price, which
was equal to the "dutchman's" one per cent. Zack Sanders
was our sutler and Silas Fitzwater was his clerk, both good
fellows and popular with the boys. Fresh horses and a new
outfit of clothing were issued to the men, and from all ' 'signs' '
we began to think that there was hard work before us.
Nothing worthy of mention occurred while the regiment lay
at Liberty.
On the 25th, the First Tennessee and one battalion of
the Ninth Pennsylvania, all under the command of Colonel
Brownlow, were detached and sent to Sparta for the pur
pose of driving out Champ Ferguson, Colonels Hughes and
Murray, who, with their bands of irregular soldiers, were
making it exceedingly unpleasant and hot for the Union
110 HISTORY O£ FIRST REGIMENT
people in that locality and the small squads of Union soldiers
that scouted through that country. This movement was
unusually hazardous in its nature, because of the rough
topography of the country and the dangerous practice Fer
guson's men had of shooting from behind trees. The day
was cold and the march made through a drizzly rain, and
when we reached a little hamlet called Yankeetown, our ad
vance encountered the enemy. After several hours spent in
skirmishing and maneuvering, the enemy fell back, and we
pushed on to Caney Fork, a tributary of Cumberland River,
which we found past fording.
Colonel Brownlow found one small flatboat that would
scarcely carry fifteen men and horses at a trip. It looked
dangerous, and at the same time it seemed like a slow process
to attempt to take the men and horses of Brownlow's com
mand across in so frail a craft. But Brownlow was equal
to the emergency. He set a detail to work taking the men
and equipments across the swollen stream, while the re
mainder unsaddled the horses and forced them to swim the
river. We experienced great trouble in getting our horses
in the notion to swim the river. It was cold and chilly, and
when we led them into the icy water their instinct caused
them to ''rebel,''" and many a poor and unruly horse was
severely chastised before he could be induced to brave the
current and swim to the opposite shore. The crossing was
made, however, without the loss of a man and but few
horses.
Colonel Brownlowr moved his little army on to Sparta
and immediately took possession of the town, placing his
men in the public buildings for better protection in case of
an attack. Sparta is located near the foot of Cumberland
Mountain, and is surrounded by fertile fields and beautiful
scenery. The inhabitants were hostile, and we were given
a very cold reception on account of the color of our uniforms
and the flags we carried. Every road leading into Sparta
was well picketed to prevent surprise, for near by a large
force, under Champ Ferguson, lay ready to swoop down
upon us if we were caught "napping."
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. Ill
On the morning of the 3Oth, Lieutenant Bowman, of
Company K, with a small detachment from the regiment, was
sent out on a scout, and when a short distance from camp
was attacked by a large force under Hughes and Ferguson.
Lieutenant Bowman was routed and driven back, with a loss
of four killed, and three wounded. This guerrilla band
showed them no mercy, but like savages killed all they cap
tured. When Lieutenant Bowman reached town and re
ported the fact, Colonel Brownlow ordered immediate pur
suit with his whole command, and his orders were, "Take
no prisoners." A few miles from town they were overtaken
and a running fight ensued, in which the enemy lost nine
killed and twenty wounded. The loss in the First Tennessee
in this day's work was as follows :
Killed — Company E, Corporal F. M. Carr; Company
F, Sergeant Oscar D. Steele; Company K, Sergeant D. B.
Phillips and Private W. A. Headrick.
Wounded — Company A, Private W. L. Robinson ; Com
pany K, Corporal Jacob Smith and Private D. L. Stanley.
Stanley died a few days later of his wounds.
Hughes, in his report of the engagement, says : "On
the 3Oth, a fight occurred between my command and a party
of Colonel Brownlow's (Tennessee) regiment. For the
numbers engaged the fighting was very severe." * * *
After this we were not interrupted any more by this
band of bushwhackers. By the end of the month the whole
division reached Sparta, where it remained until the 7th of
December. In this engagement the Ninth Pennsylvania lost
Captain T. S. McCahan and one private wounded.
112 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
CHAPTER VIII.
EAST TENNESSEE CAMPAIGN — CLIMBING THE CUMBERLAND.
THE FIRST TENNESSEE AT HOME — A LIVELY SET-TO AT
DANDRIDGE — A BRILLIANT CHARGE — THE SABER FREELY
USED — CHRISTMAS EVE IN CAMP.
On the 28th, a sad accident occurred at the same ferry
where the First Tennessee crossed Caney Fork. The Second
Brigade was in charge of our division train, and in ferrying
the wagons over, seven men of the Second Indiana Cavalry
were drowned by the foundering of the boat.
It now became apparent to all that a vigorous campaign
was to be carried on all winter. While we were lying in
camp at Sparta, an order was received from General Thomas,
directing General Elliott, chief of cavalry, Army of the Cum
berland, to march at once with the First and Second Bri
gades, the Seventh Kentucky Cavalry, Third Brigade, and
Lilly's Eighteenth Indiana Battery — all of the First Division
— and report to General Burnside at Knoxville. No order
ever created so much enthusiasm in the First Tennessee as
this one did. This movement would give scores of the men
an opportunity to visit home and see father, mother, wife,
brother, sister and sweetheart, or "the girl we left behind."
Early on the morning of December 7, camp was broken,
and soon the long, dark lines of McCook's division could be
seen slowly winding along the crooks and turns of the old
State road toward Kingston. We "tackled" old Cumberland
.Mountain again on this road, and after a hard day's march
over bad roads we camped for the night near Crossville.
Reveille was sounded at 4 o'clock the next morning, and
after a hasty breakfast the column was again set in motion,
and, descending the mountain, we bivouacked near Post Oak
LIEUTENANT F. B. SELF.
Commissary of Subsistence
JAMES RAY, BUG-LEK OF COMPANY K
TENNESSEE: VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 113
Springs. The next day the whole division moved to King
ston, where it remained for two days, waiting for the wagons
to close up, finding at this place plenty of forage for the
horses. On the I4th, we were again in the saddle, and after
a disagreeable march of twenty-five miles over bad roads
and through a cold, drizzly rain, we camped in Hardin Val
ley, five miles from Ball Camp.
We were now within fifteen miles of Knoxville, and at
7 a. m. on the I5th, the line of march was taken up and when
the command reached Third Creek, five miles from Knox
ville, General McCook halted his division for a short time,
to allow the line to close up and get ready for the grand entry
into Knoxville. General McCook gave the First Tennessee
the honor of leading his division through Knoxville, it being
the home of Colonel Brownlow and many of his men. The
band of the Second Indiana Cavalry was ordered forward to
the head of the column, and the march resumed.
We entered Knoxville by the Middlebrook and Clinton
roads, and on the range of hills just west of town we passed
through Longstreet's main line of works. Shortly after
passing this point, we caught sight of Fort Sanders and
Benjamin's "dogs of war," which were still peeping through
the embrasures, looking bold and defiant. This fort had
been furiously assaulted by Longstreet's troops on the 2Qth
of November, in which they were repulsed with severe loss.
The huge forts and the long line of new-looking earthworks
that crowned the crests of the hills and ridges that almost
encircle the town bore the marks of battle and told in silent
language that "past events had cast their shadows behind."
We proudly entered our native town about 3 p. m., and
marched down Gay street in platoons, with colors flying and
bands playing, and were warmly greeted by the loyal people
of Knoxville who lined the streets to witness the parade of
McCook's veterans. Where Reservoir street crossed Gay,
we passed through Burnside's main line of works, the yellow
clay towering high above our heads. General Burnside made
his headquarters during the siege in the old Crozier mansion
114 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
on Gay street, but was relieved a few days before we reached
Knoxville, and we were reviewed by his successor, General
John G. Foster. Turning east on Cumberland street, we
passed the home of Rev. W. G. Brownlow, whose son Jim
was colonel of the regiment. The "parson" — as he was
familiarly called — and his family came out and witnessed
with a great deal of interest the regiment as it marched by,
under the command of its youthful colonel. We gave the
"parson" and his interesting family three rousing cheers as
we marched by. Possibly no family in all East Tennessee
had been so cruelly and unmercifully treated by the dis
loyal people and bands of Confederate soldiers, who were
urged to call and pass insults upon the Brownlow family.
But with all the cruel treatment, this loyal and patriotic
family bore it all, resented insults, defended the "old flag,"
and never for once did they cease their devotion to the Union
and love for the glorious old flag that today floats proudly
over a free people, the sight of which every true American
should respect and honor. John was also in the Union
army, he being lieutenant-colonel of the Ninth Tennessee
Cavalry.
We had marched nearly three hundred miles, over bad
roads, crossing mountains and fording rivers and swollen
streams, bringing with us our artillery and wagons without
loss, to find the siege of Knoxville raised and the Confed
erates under Longstreet gone, he having left on the 5th of
December and moved northeast, toward Rutledge. Long-
street had learned of Bragg's defeat at Missionary Ridge on
the 25th of November, and determined to attack Burnside
in his works before Grant could reinforce him.
He selected Fort Sanders, one of the strongest and best
built forts in Knoxville, as the point where the attack should
be made. It was named for the young and gallant Ken-
tuckian who was Burnside's chief of cavalry, who gave up
his life early in the siege a short distance south of the fort.
This fort was laid out by Captain O. M. Poe, chief engineer
Army of the Ohio, and was on a hill just west of the
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 115
University of Tennessee. Captain Poe, in his report of the
East Tennessee campaign, gives the following description of
Fort Sanders :
"It is a bastioned earthwork, built upon an irregular
quadrilateral, the sides of which are respectively one hun
dred and twenty-five yards southern front, ninety-five yards
western front, one hundred and twenty-five yards northern
front and eightv-five yards eastern front. The eastern front
was entirely open, and is to be closed with a stockade ; the
southern front was about half done ; the western front was
finished, except cutting the embrasures, and the northern
front was nearly finished. Each bastion was intended to
have a pan coupe. The bastion attacked was the only one
that was completely finished. The ditch in front of the fort
was twelve feet in width and in many places as much as
eight feet deep. The irregularity of the site was such that
the bastion angles were very heavy, the relief of the lightest
one being twelve feet. The relief of the one attacked was
about thirteen feet, which, together with the depth of the
ditch, say seven feet, made a height of twenty feet from the
bottom of the ditch to the interior crest."
The garrison of Fort Sanders on the morning (Sunday)
of the assault consisted of Lieutenant S. N. Benjamin's
Battery E, Second United States Artillery, with four 20-
pounder Parrott guns ; Captain W. W. Buckley's Battery
D, First Rhode Island Artillery, four 12-pounder Napoleons
and two three-inch steel guns ; and one section of Captain
Jacob Roemers Battery L, Second New York Light Artil
lery; the Seventy-ninth New York Highlanders, and por
tions of the Twenty-ninth Massachusetts and Twentieth
Michigan, one company from the One Hundredth Pennsyl
vania and Second Michigan — in all about three hundred men,
commanded by First Lieutenant Benjamin, Second United
States Artillery.
In addition to the deep ditch in front of the fort, tele
graph wire was stretched from stump to stump, so that when
the enemy moved forward on their wild charge they were
116 HISTORY OF T3RST REGIMENT
tripped by the wire, producing great confusion in their ranks
as they tumbled and fell in confused heaps. This plan of ob
struction was the work of the fertile brain of Mr. J. B.
Hoxie, a loyal and patriotic citizen of Knoxville, now de
ceased, who first suggested it to Burnside. The hero of the
East Tennessee campaign saw it was a good suggestion, and
ordered it put into execution.
Fort Sanders was evidently the key to the defense, and
against it Longstreet — "Lee's "old war-horse" — hurled his
trusted veterans. It is not generally known that General
Leadbetter, chief engineer Army of the Tennessee, who
reached Longstreet's headquarters on November 25th, sug
gested, after a hasty inspection and reconnoissance of the
entire Union line, that in his opinion Mabry Hill was the
weakest point and promised the best result in case of an
assault. But after another inspection on the 27th, by Long-
street, Leadbetter, Jenkins and Alexander, Longstreet's chief
of artillery, all came to the conclusion that the ground over
which the troops would have to pass was too much exposed
and the distance to be overcome under fire was too great,
consequently it was abandoned.
The assault was made by three brigades of McLaw's
division, composed of Georgia, Mississippi and South Caro
lina troops. Longstreet ordered the assault to be made in
two columns, thinking that the spirit of rivalry between the
two brigades that were to lead the assault — one being from
Georgia and the other from Mississippi — would be sufficient
cause to urge them to their Avork with increased dash and
courage. Woford's brigade, now commanded by Colonel
vS. Z Ruff, Eighteenth Georgia, was composed of the Six
teenth, Eighteenth and Twenty-fourth Georgia, Cobb's and
Phillipps' Legion and the Third Georgia Battalion of Sharp
shooters. Humphries Brigade^ Thirteenth, Seventeenth,
Eighteenth and Twenty-first Mississippi. These two bri
gades were supported by portions of Anderson's and Bryan's
brigades, composed of Georgians and South Carolinians, all
well-seasoned veterans.
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 117
The troops were formed for the assault at 4 o'clock
Sunday morning, November 29. Rain had fallen during the
week and on the 27th it turned cold. The water in the ditch
was covered with ice and the steep sides of Fort Sanders
were also frozen, making it almost impossible for the men
to gain a foothold in their vain attempt to scale the slippery
parapet. A dense fog hung lazily about the river, completely
shutting out the movements of both armies on this part of
the line.
About daybreak on the 2Qth, the enemy suddenly opened
a terrific artillery fire on Fort Sanders, which was immedi
ately responded to by the Union guns all along the lines. In
a short time the enemy's fire slackened and then from the
direction of the railroad the enemy moved up the gentle
slope toward the fort, while the guns of Benjamin, Buckley
and Roemer poured out "thunder and lightning." As they
approached the fort, the well-known rebel yell was heard
above the roar of battle, then the black-throated monsters
from the fort, double and triple-shotted, pierced the advanc
ing column through and through, making wide gaps, which
were quickly filled.
On they came with a yell, tumbling and falling when
the wires were reached, while only a few rods away the
deadly volleys from the muskets were cutting them1 down
like grain before the reaper. At the ditch they paused for
a moment only, but, forcing their way across the ditch, they
attempted to gain the fort by climbing its icy sides. A few
gained the crest, to be shot clown and roll back into the
ditch, which was full of men, some yelling, others groaning.
Now the real destruction came, when the 2O-pound shells,
with fuse cut short, were lighted and tossed over the parapet
into the crowded ditch. The enemy, being unable to cap
ture the fort, 'now broke and fled to the rear, leaving hun
dreds of killed and wounded around the fort and in the ditch.
Others, finding it useless to keep up the fight and being
unable to get away, surrendered.
E. A. Pollard, the great Southern historian, makes the
118 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
following mention of the battle of Fort Sanders : "There
was a spatter of blood and brains. In this terrible ditch the
dead were piled eight and ten deep. In comparatively an
instant of time we lost seven hundred in killed, wounded and
prisoners. Never, excepting at Gettysburg, was there in
the history of the war a disaster adorned with the glory of
such devout courage as Longstreet's repulse at Knoxville."
The official returns of Longstreet's assistant adjutant-
general show the following loss in the assault on Fort San
ders : one hundred and twenty-nine killed, four hundred and
fifty-eight wounded, and two hundred and twenty-six cap
tured, making a total of eight hundred and thirteen. Some
thing over one thousand stands of arms fell into our hands,
and three battle-flags. The prisoners captured represented
eleven different regiments. The Union loss was eight killed
and five wounded. The loss in McLaw's division showed
the splendid fighting qualities of his officers and men in their
attempt to capture the fort.
Among the officers of higher rank who fell in the as
sault and in the ditch were : Colonel Ruff, Eighteenth Geor
gia, commanding Woford's brigade ; Colonel McElroy,
Thirteenth Mississippi ; Colonel Thomas, Sixteenth Georgia,
besides majors, captains and lieutenants. Lieutenant-Col
onel J. C. Fiser, of the Seventeenth Mississippi, lost an arm
while attempting to scale the parapet of Fort Sanders. The
assaulting column numbered about four thousand men and
was formed for the assault near where the Knoxville Woolen
Mills now stand.
Longstreet had promised his men that they should dine
in Knoxville on the 29th, but it turned out that not more
than two hundred and twenty-six availed themselves of the
opportunity, and among them was Lieutenant-Colonel A. G.
O'Brien, of the Thirteenth Mississippi Volunteers, a brother
of Mrs. W. G. Brownlow. He bravely forced his way up the
steep wall of the fort and was captured inside. Burnside
granted Longstreet a truce, in order that he might care for
his wounded and bury the dead. Longstreet recalled his
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 119
broken and shattered columns, withdrew his army from
Knoxville and moved into upper East Tennessee, where his
army spent the remainder of the winter, subsisting wholly
on the country. There were numerous engagements and
skirmishes during the winter, and toward spring he left Ten
nessee and rejoined Lee in Virginia.
Let us now return and follow the movements of the
cavalry under McCook. On the I5th of December, the day
of our arrival in Knoxville, General Elliott, commander-in-
chief of the cavalry, Army of the Cumberland, who had ac
companied McCook's division to East Tennessee, reported
to General Foster, who had succeeded General Burnside in
the command of the Army of the Ohio, with headquarters
at Knoxville. Foster ordered Elliott to immediately cross
Holston River and attack the enemy's cavalry under Martin,
at or near Morristown.
In pursuance of the above orders, and without delay,
the First Tennessee, with the remainder of the division, left
Knoxville and moved northeast toward Strawberry Plains.
We crossed the Holston on the I5th at Armstrong's Ford,
which was barely fordable and rising, and went into camp a
few miles beyond. Reveille called us at 4 o'clock the next
morning, and at 8 o'clock we resumed the march, reaching
Strawberry Plains, on the East Tennessee railroad and seven
teen miles from Knoxville, where we bivouacked for the
night. At this point, Elliott reported to General S. D. Stur-
giss, chief of cavalry, Army of the Ohio, who by virtue of
his rank took command of all the cavalry then operating in
East Tennessee.
This was the beginning of the ever-memorable East
Tennessee campaign, so well remembered by the survivors of
the First Tennessee. After one day's rest at Strawberry
Plains, the division moved on the ijth to McKinney's Ford,
where it crossed the Holston, which was deep, and after a
hard and disagreeable day's march went into camp near
Elaine's Cross Roads. Here we found the most of our army
*n camp, with but little to eat, standing around their camp-
120 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
fires "thawing out" one side, while the other froze, the
weather being cold and disagreeable, with now and then a
light fall of snow. The farmers in their crippled condition
had hardly produced enough to keep the "wolf" from their
own doors, much less furnish supplies for two armies.
The next day we moved forward to Richland Creek,
and went into camp along the southwest side. Stone's Mill
on Richland Creek was kept busy day and night, grinding up
whatever amount of grain our foragers could find for the
use of the army. Just a short distance north of us lay the
Confederate army under Longstreet, hungry, shoeless and
thinly clad, and very much discouraged, their future being
dark and gloomy. The weather still continued to be cold,
the mercury "tumbling" away below the freezing point and
was rapidly approaching zero. This sudden freeze made the
roads exceedingly rough, so that our movements were both
difficult and dangerous, but with the elements around us and
the enemy in front of us, we tried to make ourselves as com
fortable as possible under the circumstances.
Karly on the morning of the 23rd, we left camp at
Richland Creek and, recrossing the Holtson at Nance's Ford,
moved up the valley to New Market, a pleasant little village
whose inhabitants were intensely loyal. This was the home
of Russell Thornburgh, the senior major of the regiment.
This was a hard and disagreeable day's march, being made
over bad roads, and late at night we went into camp about
two miles beyond town on the Dandridge road, cold, weary
and hungry.
On the morning of the 24th, Campbell's brigade and
Lilly's battery were ordered to Dandridge to attack a Con
federate force at that place. Reveille was sounded at 3 a. m.,
and soon the whole camp was astir ; the camp-fires were re
kindled, and, after partaking of a hasty breakfast, we
mounted and marched toward Dandridge. Colonel Gar-
rard's brigade of cavalry, Army of the Ohio, moved on the
Bull's Gap road and was to unite with Campbell's brigade
near Dandridge. We crossed Bay's Mountain at Flat Gap,
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 121
and at 9 a. m. reached Dandridge and found the place un
occupied. Campbell halted his brigade at the far edge of
town, to await the arrival of Garrard's brigade.
After waiting about one hour, Campbell received a dis
patch from Garrard to advance at once on the Bull's Gap
road to his support, as the enemy were advancing on his
brigade. The First Tennessee, under Colonel Brownlow,
was ordered to advance, which it did, and soon commenced
skirmishing with Russell's brigade. Lilly's battery was
placed in position and the Second Michigan ordered to sup
port it. After driving the enemy back a short distance, they
opened on Brownlow with artillery, and at the same time
advanced their whole line and were pressing his regiment so
close that Campbell sent the Ninth Pennsylvania and one
section of Lilly's battery forward on the gallop to the support
of Colonel Brownlow.
A detachment of the First Tennessee charged the
enemy's dismounted skirmishers, killing three and capturing
fifteen prisoners. The enemy ran forward three guns and
opened a vigorous fire, but fortunately very few of our men
were wounded. The two guns of Lilly's battery were placed
on a hill near Hay's Ferry, about four miles from Dandridge,
and after shelling them vigorously for a short time the enemy
fell back and all became quiet on this part of the line. Camp
bell received an order from Garrard requesting him to move
forward on the same road, saying that his brigade would
move on a parallel road to his left. Colonel Campbell im
mediately moved the Ninth Pennsylvania in column along
the road and the First Tennessee in line of battle on the right
of the road, the right of the regiment resting on French
Broad River; the Second Michigan was dismounted and
placed in line to support the battery.
The First Tennessee and Ninth Pennsylvania had ad
vanced about half a mile when Campbell ordered them to
halt, he having received an order from General Sturgis to
return to New Market. At this moment, heavy firing was
heard in his rear, where the remaining artillery, ambulances,
122 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
pack-train and cooks were stationed under an escort of the
Second Michigan. This attack was made by Crew's Geor
gia brigade, who succeeded by overwhelming numbers in
capturing two guns and scattering the pack-train and cooks
in all directions. The remainder of the Second Michigan
and the Ninth Pennsylvania were ordered to charge and
recapture the guns.
The order was executed with promptness and great gal
lantry, and after a fierce struggle in which the saber was
freely used, the guns were recaptured and the enemy driven
from the field, with severe loss in killed and wounded and
fifteen prisoners. Among the former was Major Bales, com
manding the Sixth Georgia, who fell among the captured
guns. Campbell's brigade was in a critical position — one
brigade in front and one in the rear, and no tidings from
Garrard. Colonel Campbell sent to Garrard for reinforce
ments, but the aide was unable to find him. Campbell's bri
gade was composed of well-seasoned veterans, and on that
day did not exceed sixteen hundred men.
The only way of escape was by falling back by a rough,
hilly road to our left. We had for a commander an officer
of undaunted courage, cool and self-possessed in action — a
commander who did not lose his head when he got into a
tight place. The artillery, ambulances and led horses were
ordered into the woods and moved as rapidly as possible
toward the New Market road, closely followed by the Ninth
Pennsylvania and the First Tennessee. The Second Michi
gan was dismounted and covered the rear. In this way
Campbell moved his brigade back in good order for some
distance, the enemy all the time pressing hard our rear and
left flank.
The Ninth Pennsylvania was ordered on this flank and
soon relieved it. At the same time, Lilly's, battery was
placed in position some distance beyond, with the First
Tennessee in line as a support. The enemy still continued to
press our rear, and when the Second Michigan and the Ninth
Pennsylvania reached our position, Lilly opened a vigorous
TENNESSEE; VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 123
fire from his three-inch Rodmans, which checked the enemy
for a short time only.
The enemy again advanced, and with superior num
bers attempted to capture our battery and drive us from the
field. The fighting became severe all along the line, and it
seemed that Campbell's little brigade would be swept from
the field. The enemy pressed on close up to our guns, amid
a perfect tempest of bullets from the carbines of the First
Tennessee, while grape and canister flew thick and fast
from Lilly's "black-throated monsters." Campbell now
ordered the First Tennessee, under Colonel Brownlow, to
charge the enemy with saber, which he did, driving them
back in great confusion, but not without serious loss in his
own ranks. The severe fire of the other two regiments at
close range and the skill with which Lilly's guns were hand
led, seemed to satisfy the enemy, as they made no further at
tempt to press our lines, but fell back, and at dark we
returned to New Market.
Colonel Campbell, in his report of the battle of Dan-
dridge, says : "I then ordered the First Tennessee Cavalry
to charge with sabers, which they executed most nobly,
driving the enemy's line over a fence, with severe loss to
their ranks."
The loss of the First Tennessee in this engagament was
eleven killed and wounded and seven missing, as follows :
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
Wounded — Major Russell Thornburgh, commanding
First Battalion ; Captain Paul Sturm, Company H.
ENLISTED MEN.
Killed — Company D, Private William J. Robertson;
Company E, Private Pleasant Anderson ; Company G. Pri
vate Jacob I. Mallory.
Mortally Wounded — Company A, Aaron Fields, died
in hospital at Knoxville, Tenn., February 20, 1864; Com
pany K, Private Allen Bennett, died of wounds, date un
known.
124 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
Wounded — Company F, Private Samuel H. Humbard;
Company I, Privates Jacob Rector and G. F.( Johnson ; Com
pany L, Sergeant Isaac F. Cartwright.
Company C was not in this engagement, it being ab
sent guarding Dyer's Ferry, on Holston River. The regi
ment lost thirty-two horses killed and wounded. The other
two regiments lost about the same number of men, and the
battery one. One of Lilly's guns was disabled by the break
ing of an axle. It was spiked and left on the field, but was
recaptured by our division at Fair Garden, Tennessee, the
27th of January, 1864.
This short but spirited engagement is known in history
as the battle of Dandridge, and was fought on the 24th day
of December, on the farm of Mr. B. A. Blackburn, a true
Unionist, who so kindly took care of our wounded. Though
our little brigade had contended all day against superior
numbers, yet the enemy seemed well satisfied with the pun
ishment inflicted upon them, by allowing us to withdraw
from the field at dark and quietly march back to New Mar
ket. This was a hard day's work. We had been in the
saddle since early in the morning without food ; had marched
and counter-marched over thirty-five miles of road, fought
one battle, and at night were again on the "old camp
ground."
This was a sad Christmas Eve to us, and as we gath
ered around the camp-fires to discuss the events of the day,
many an unbidden tear could be seen trickling down the
tanned faces of the men when reference was made to those
who had fallen in battle during the day. While great prep
arations were being made in our far-off homes for a grand
feast for the next day, the men of the First Tennessee were
thinking of the feast in store for them the following day, as
the regiment was under orders to march at daylight and
could not tell how "Merry Christmas" would be spent.
Late at night we lay down on the cold ground, without
tents, and, wrapping our blankets around us to keep out
winter's chilly blasts, were soon off into dreamland, while
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 125
visions of roast turkey, plum pudding and pumpkin pie
flitted before us, the weary vedette on the lonely picket-post
standing through the stillness of the night, guarding the
army as it slept.
126 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
CHAPTER IX.
HOW CHRISTMAS WAS SPENT — BATTLE OF MOSSY CREEK — •
DEATH OF CAPTAIN CANNON AND IJEUT. COX — A GAL
LANT CHARGE — INDIAN FIGHTING IN THE MOUNTAINS
— CAPTURING A WAGON TRAIN.
McCook's division moved at daylight on the morning
of the 25th, along the Mossy Creek road, with LaGrange's
Second Brigade in the adavnce, and when within two and a
half miles of Mossy Creek, LaGrange encountered the ad
vance of Armstrong's division. After a brief skirmish the
enemy fell back, Lilly's battery firing a few shots to hurry
them along. On reaching Mossy Creek, McCook halted his
division and formed it in line of battle across the valley a
short distance below town.
The First Tennessee was formed in line to the left of
the railroad. A skirmishers' line was thrown out, and the
men ordered to dismount, and in this position we remained
during the day. It was a cold, raw day, with a keen, cut
ting wind sweeping up the valley like a Kansas cyclone, and
as no fires were allowed we passed a very uncomfortable
day. This was our second "Merry Christmas" spent in the
field, and as we looked back we remembered that just one
short year ago we were being transported down the Ohio
River to Louisville.
This was a day of merriment and rejoicing all over the
land. Great feasts were to be served in cheerful homes
around blazing fires, but soldiers in the field were differ
ently situated, for sometimes they would feast for several
days in succession and then starve as many. But on this
occasion the First Tennessee had a feast that they were not
ashamed of, namely, raw bacon, hard tack and cold water.
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 127
While our Christmas dinner was not sumptuous, yet it was
healthful and easily prepared, and we were thankful to be
permitted to take this simple meal in peace.
We bivouacked on the field, and the next morning
moved through Mossy Creek and went into camp about one
mile beyond, and to the left of the railroad. Our camp was
in a heavy grove of timber, which afforded the troops some
protection, as it was still very cold. The next two or three
days were spent in picketing, scouting and skirmishing.
The hard realities of active campign life were now upon us,
in the midst of bitter cold weather, with bad roads, scanty
rations and a hostile foe near by. Indeed, it was a "Valley
Forge" to us, yet with all these hardships thrust upon us
we loved the old flag and the cause we were fighting for, and
responded to duty cheerfully.
Longstreet's cavalry, which was greatly superior in
numbers to ours, lay at that lime only a short distance above
our camp and was commanded by General W. T. Martin,
and was composed of the divisions of Morgan, Armstrong,
Ransom and Wharton. The only troops that were con
fronting this large body of cavalry at that time were Mc-
Cook's division and a small brigade under the command of
Colonel Palmer, Fifteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, the re
mainder of the cavalry, Army of the Ohio, being stationed
at other points.
On the morning of the 2Qth, General Sturgis, who was
in command of all the cavalry then operating in East Ten
nessee, learned that a brigade of the enemy's cavalry had
moved to Dandridge, and decided to surprise and destroy
it. He sent the most of the cavalry off on this "Tom Fool"
trip, leaving only Campbell's brigade to hold Mossy Creek.
The whole camp was astir early in the morning, and at 5
o'clock LaGrange's brigade left their camp above Mossy
Creek, with one section of Lilly's battery, and moved toward
Bay's Mountain to support a movement that was to be made
on Dandridge by Wolford's cavalry, Army of the Ohio.
This left only the small brigade of Colonel Campbell
128 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
to cover the entire front of our camp and hold the valley.
Campbell's brigade was encamped near the Morristown road
and about two miles east of Mossy Creek. The First Ten
nessee and the Second Michigan were formed in line of
battle across the valley early in the morning, the First Ten
nessee on the right, between the railroad and the Morristown
road, with the Second Michigan on our left. The wagons
had been sent to the rear early in the morning. The Ninth
Pennsylvania and the three remaining guns of Lilly's bat
tery were placed in position a short distance east of Mossy
Creek.
As soon as all the troops had reached their respective
positions, Campbell moved up the valley with the First Ten
nessee and Second Michigan. About a mile beyond our
camp, Campbell halted his brigade and threw out a line of
skirmishers. He remained in this position until about 10
a. m., when word was sent in by his pickets on the Morris-
town road that the enemy was advancing in force, with eight
or ten pieces of artillery. The enemy continued to advance,
and after driving in the pickets encountered his skirmishers,
which were some distance out.
There was a sharp, rattling fire along the skirmish line,
after which they fell back, closely followed by the enemy in
line of battle, with flags waving and arms flashing in the sun
light. It was an exciting moment, and we began to think
that it was another Dandridge scrape. But Campbell was
equal to the occasion. Seeing that his little brigade was
greatly out-numbered, he gave orders to fall back. The
enemy pressed forward, showing several lines of battle, and
with superior numbers attempted to out-flank him, at the
same time using his artillery at close range.
We fell back to the residence of Stokely Williams, a
large, two-story, brick house, and during the engagement
it was struck several times by flying shells. Here Camp
bell was compelled to halt his brigade and fight. The enemy
was close upon us and at the same time opened a severe fire
from a battery at close range, and soon the air about us was
CAPTAIN E. .1. CANNON, COMPANY C
Killed at Mossy Creek, Term., December 29, 1863
GENERAL S. P. CARTER
TENNESSEE: VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 129
filled with missiles of all sizes, shapes and kinds, "whirling
and whizzing," producing a most unearthly sound, a sound
that would chill the blood of the bravest veteran. Some of
our boys at the pack-train went so far as to investigate these
strange-sounding missiles when they had, like "grandfather's
clock," stopped short never to go again, and reported that
Longstreet was shooting railroad iron at us.
Colonel Campbell ordered the First Tennessee to charge
the enemy on the right of the brick house, which it did with
a yell, driving back their center and halting their whole
line. At the same time the Second Michigan, which was
fighting dismounted, opened a destructive fire with their
Colt's rifles at close range, which completely staggered their
line. During this temporary check, Campbell ordered his
brigade to fall back and take up a new position near where
Lilly's battery and the Ninth Pennsylvania were stationed,
hotly contesting every inch of ground as he fell back.
Lilly's battery was on a slight elevation between the
railroad and the Morristown road. The First Tennessee was
placed in line in front of the battery and in a slight depres
sion, with the right of the regiment resting on the railroad ;
the Second Michigan and the Ninth Pennsylvania were on
our left. Our lines were hardly formed when the enemy
opened on us with ten guns, and it began to look like the
regiment and battery would be swept from the field. It was
the most terrific artillery fire the regiment had ever been
under, but we lay there and took it all, not firing a shot.
It was exceedingly monotonous lying there taking all
their old scrap-iron, giving nothing in return. Men and
horses were 'going down at almost every discharge. Cor
poral W. W. Wells, Company D, was the first victim, his
body being almost cut in two with a solid shot. It was three
guns against ten, but all this time Captain Lilly's three-inch
Rodmans were speaking in thunder tones, whose iron
throats had carried death and destruction to the enemy on
other fields, while his men and horses were being cut down —
yet, strange to say, not one of his guns was silenced or dis
abled during this unequal contest.
130 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
Once more the order came to fall back, and as we
moved to the left, the solid shot and exploding shells went
crashing through the trees, doing no harm except cutting
off limbs and tearing up trees. The enemy now seemed
more bold and defiant, and with superior numbers expected
to win an easy victory. We moved only a short distance to
the left, where a new line of battle was formed, with the
First Tennessee in the center. Our lines were hardly formed
when the enemy came charging upon us in such overwhelm
ing numbers that we were driven back and the day seemed
lost. The enemy used every effort to confuse and break our
retreating lines, but all their attempts were fruitless.
Oh, how we longed for the old Second Brigade of our
division ! The day was fast wearing away and the sun was
almost lost behind the western hills, and whatever was to be
done must be done quickly, or the day would be lost. The
fighting was severe all along the line, and we were again
compelled to yield ground, falling back a short distance to
the edge of the woods. The enemy, seeing us falling back,
now rushed on after us with their well-known "rebel yell,"
and when they reached the edge of the wood Colonel
Brownlow ordered his troops to fire, but, disregarding the
effects of so hot a fire, they continued to advance.
Colonel Brownlow, seeing the boldness and courage that
the enemy were displaying in still advancing upon him under
so hot a fire, suggested to Campbell the propriety of making
a spirited saber charge, believing this to be the only means
of saving the day, as "desperate diseases require desperate
remedies." Colonel Campbell remarked that such a line of
battle could not be broken by a cavalry charge. Colonel
Brownlow, realizing the danger of delay and the importance
of immediate action, assumed the responsibility of ordering
a charge.
The order was given to draw sabers, and with a yell
the First Tennessee, with its well-known gallantry, rushed
upon the enemy in one of the most daring charges of the
war. The spirit, courage, boldness and audacity with which
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 131
the charge was made has scarcely ever been equaled in the
war, and the important effect that it produced was a matter
of astonishment to those who witnessed it. We drove the
enemy back into the woods, retaking a part of the lost
ground, but were forced back with some loss, bringing back
as prisoners, however, one officer and twenty-five enlisted
men.
At this critical moment a portion of Mott's brigade,
Second Division, Twenty- third Corps, came upon the field.
Cavalry, infantry and dismounted men now charged upon
the enemy, who began to show signs of wavering, pouring
volley after volley into their ranks, driving them through
the woods in great confusion. The Second Brigade, which
had been recalled, now reached the field and entered heartily
into the chase, which was continued for some distance, halt
ing only when it became too dark to distinguish friend from
foe.
This was one of the most spirited and hotly contested
cavalry engagements that occurred during the East Tennes
see campaign, and considering the severe fire to which the
regiment was exposed for so long, its escape from great loss
was one of the many 'lucky ones." The First Tennessee
does not claim all the honor or to have done all the fighting
on that day, yet it is true that the regiment bore an honor
able part and fully sustained the brilliant reputation of the
old "Volunteer State." General Martin had in this engage
ment the divisions of Morgan and Armstrong, numbering at
least six thousand men, and with this superior force no
doubt expected to win an easy victory.
The casualties of the First Tennessee in this engage
ment were as follows :
Killed and Died of Wounds — Company D, First Lieu
tenant Geo. W. Cox, Corporal W. W. Wells and Private
Henry Wampler; Company I, Corporal Andrew J. Drake
and B. F. Hansford (died in hospital at Knoxville, date un
known) ; Company C, Captain Elbert J. Cannon (mortally
wounded, died December 31), and Thos. G. Farrow; Com
pany E, Robert A. Vaughn ; Company G, L. L. Cope.
132 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
Wounded — Company A, William Simpson; Company
F, Sergeant James Higgs and John Sweeney; Company C,
Geo. W. Troutt and Henry O. Newman ; Company K, Ser
geant Alfred F. Rhea and Harvey Bales ; Company G, Ser
geant Frank Cunningham (severely) ; Company M, Elihu
McNeece.
Killed and died of wounds, two officers and seven en
listed men ; wounded, nine enlisted men ; total, eighteen.
The First Tennessee lost some of its best and bravest
men in this engagement. Captain Cannon and Lieutenant
Cox were the first officers of the First Tennessee to fall in
battle^ and both fell leading their men in the moment of
victory. They were officers of great promise, full of energy
and thoroughly patriotic, were model soldiers, were men of
unflinching courage and uncompromising integrity. They
fell in the discharge of their duty, and their sudden removal
at that moment was a loss we all keenly felt. Their vacant
places cannot be filled, and the regiment mourned their loss.
Captain Cannon and Lieutenant Cox were two of the
original officers of the regiment. Captain Cannon was a
Jefferson county man, and was killed almost in sight of his
home. On the death of Captain Cannon, First Lieutenant
Jacob K. Lones assumed command of Company C, and was
shortly afterward promoted to captain. A. J. Gahagan was
promoted from second to first lieutenant after the death of
Lieutenant Cox.
General McCook, who commanded the divisoin at the
battle of Mossy Creek, makes mention of the gallantry of
the First Tennessee in his report, as follows : "The gallant
First Tennessee Cavalry and their brave young commander,
Colonel Brownlow, added new laurels to their brilliant repu
tation by the splendid saber charge they made. Among the
other brave men whose loss we are called upon to mourn are
Captain Cannon and Lieutenant Cox, First Tennessee Cav
alry, who fell at the head, leading a charge of their soldiers."
Major H. C. Connelly, Fourteenth Illinois Cavalry, in a
well-written article on "Campaigning with Burnside in East
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 133
Tennessee," makes honorable mention of the gallantry of
the First Tennessee at Mossy Creek. He says : "General
Elliott, commanding a fine division of cavalry from the
Army of the Cumberland, reinforced us. * * * On the
morning of December 29, Longstreet advanced with most of
his cavalry, a division of infantry and two batteries of artil
lery. Our loss this day was about one hundred killed,
wounded and missing. The enemy lost from two hundred
to four hundred. We buried twenty of their dead. In this
fight the First Tennessee Cavalry, commanded by Colonel
Jim Brownlow, made a saber charge which did honor to this
dashing officer and his soldiers." * * *
"The neighing troops, the flashing blade,
The bugle's stirring blast,
The charge, the dreadful cannonade,
The din and shout are past."
Soon after the battle of Mossy Creek, the Confederate
cavalry fell back to Morristo^n and we spent the remaining
days of the year quietly in camp. Drills and dress-parades
were almost forgotten and were things of the past. Every
one doubtless remembers the first day of January, 1864 —
Happy New Year — as the cold one. It is very forcibly fixed
in the minds of the men composing the First Tennessee, for
a heavy detail was made from the regiment for picket duty
on the first day of the year. The night was exceedingly cold,
and many of the men were badly frost-bitten on the picket-
line.
The cold continued, with light falls of sleet and snow.
The 3Oth dawned bright and clear, but by night the wind
changed to the north, causing the mercury to fall from
fifteen to twenty degrees below zero. It was so cold that
the ponds from which we obtained our supply of water
were frozen up, consequently it was no uncommon thing to
see half a dozen men at a time cutting holes through the
ice for water. Our rations were short, but we ate our
parched corn and pork and, forgetting for the time being our
own suffering and privations, thought of the loved ones at
134 HISTORY OF I'IRST REGIMENT
home, who possibly knew nothing of our real wants, and,
uncertain of our fate, would at this season of festivities find
little cheer at the table and fireside.
On the 1 4th day of January, the First Tennessee moved
with the remainder of the cavalry to Dandridge, where
forage was more plentiful. In a few days we were joined
by Grainger's Fourth and portions of the Ninth and Twenty-
third Corps, all under the command of General Park, num
bering in all about 20,000 men. This move was made on
account of the concentration of Longstreet's army at Russell-
ville and the pushing forward of Hood's and Buckner's di
visions to Dandridge to reinforce Martin's cavalry, which
was in camp near the latter place.
We remained in camp near Dandridge until the middle
of January, when the First Tennessee was detached and sent
to the mountains of North Carolina to fight a body of Indians
and irregular troops under Vance and Thomas. We broke
camp and forded French Broa^l River at Evans' Island, and
marched to Atchley's mill, on Pigeon River, three miles
below Sevierville, where we camped for the night, after a
cold and disagreeable march of eighteen miles. At this place
we were joined by the Fifteenth Pennsylvania and the Tenth
Ohio Cavalry, under Colonel W. J. Palmer, Fifteenth Penn
sylvania.
Word reached our camp that a band of Indians and
some white troops, under the command of General R. B.
Vance, had crossed the Smoky or Blue Ridge Mountains,
and were encamped on the headwaters of Cosby's Creek, in
Cocke county. Colonels Brownlow and Palmer broke camp
at daylight and marched rapidly toward the enemy's camp,
which they expected to surprise and capture.
We were the first Union soldiers to carry the "old flag"
among these loyal and patriotic people, and were warmly
received and ably assisted by them, as they knew the country
well.
The roads were exceedingly rough and hilly, and with
the mercury down below zero our march was cold and cheer-
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 135
less and at the same time dangerous, for on all sides of the
narrow, winding roads the water was converted into ice by
nature's own process, making it hard for our horses to keep
their feet. We marched along the narrow, ice-covered road,
admiring the beautiful scenery of these "sky-kissed hills,"
whose craggy peaks were whitened with snow, singing as
we marched along:
"I love thy rocks and rills,
Thy woods and templed hills,
My heart with rapture thrills,
Like that above."
This meditation was interrupted and cut short by a
scout who dashed up and reported that the Indians were
advancing upon us. Our little army was formed in line of
battle and skirmishers thrown out, and after waiting a short
time for an attack we were ordered forward and soon came
in sight of their camp, when the whole command was or
dered to charge. With a wild hurrah we made for their
camp, when they broke and quickly fled into the hills and
up the mountain, uttering as they ran the most hideous and
warlike yells that we had ever heard.
We pursued them to the top of the mountain, killing
and capturing a few, but the greater portion made their
escape by hiding in the 'thick growth of laurel that com
pletely covered the side of the mountain. Some of the
Indians were killed for refusing to surrender, they having
been taught that the "Yankees'' would kill them on sight,
and, not being familiar with Indian warfare, the boys kept up
the fire as long as a redskin was in sight. From the pris
oners taken, we learned that they were made to believe that
they were fighting for the old flag, but said the flags did
not look alike. They seemed to admire the rich colors of
our company guidons as they fluttered in the mountain
breeze.
After the Indians had been driven across the moun
tain, we returned to our camp below Sevierville. This expe
dition was quite successful and was made without loss to
136 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
our ranks. Our camp had hardly got quiet when word was
sent to our commanders that a wagon-train belonging to
Longstreet's army had crossed to the east side of French
Broad River, a short distance above Dandridge, for the
purpose of collecting forage and supplies for his army. The
two resolute colonels determined to capture the train, and
early on the morning of the 22nd the men were aroused by
that old, familiar call, "boots and saddles," and in a short
time Brownlow and Palmer were leading their troops rapidly
toward the point where the train was reported to be.
The wagons were overtaken some distance above Dand
ridge, near Muddy Creek, and the entire train, teamsters
and train-guard, ' which consisted of a detachment of the
Second South Carolina Infantry and some Tennessee troops,
were captured. The train was some distance from the river
when overtaken by us, and was moving along leisurely, not
thinking for once that the "Yankees" were so close by, and
the first warning of our approach was the yell and the keen
crack of our carbines.
The brave wagon-guard refused to surrender the
wagons without resistance, and in the brisk skirmish that
ensued several were killed and wounded and the remainder
captured. The First Tennessee had two men wounded. Pri
vate Thos. D. Brogden, of Company F, was severely
wounded in the right shoulder and left thigh, making him a
cripple for life. The wagons were nearly all branded
"U. S.," and were captured only a few months before from
the Union army near Bean's Station, the whole bearing the
marks of the axe made by the teamsters trying to cut them
down before capture. They were well filled with all kinds
of supplies. The teamsters were ordered to turn the wagons
around and for the time being drive for "Uncle Sam."
L,ongstreet, in reporting the matter, says : "Twenty-
eight of our wagons were captured on the south side of
French Broad on the 22nd. They were foraging and had
neglected to get the usual guard. We lost our teams with
our wagons and got none to replace them."
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 137
On our way back we could hear the distant boom of
cannon in the direction of New Market and Strawberry
Plains, and learned from our scouts that the Union forces
were falling back to Knoxville, pursued by Longstreet.
We camped for the night a short distance from Fair
Garden, and early the next morning moved back to our old
camp at Atchley's mill, where we were joined in a few days
by the remainder of our division and Wolford's cavalry,
Army of the Ohio, who came up from Knoxville by way of
Trundell's Cross Roads.
McCook, in his report, says : "The First Tennessee
and Colonel Palmer's force are out after a forage train, and
I think will get them, unless the guard is too strong." A
detachment of the First Tennessee captured on this trip
Captain Bennett, commissary on General Benning's staff,
Hood's division, and seven men who were out looking for
forage.
138 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
CHAPTER X.
BATTLE OF FAIR GARDEN — CAPTURE OF COLONEL BROWNLOW
— HE BRIBES THE GUARD AND MAKES HIS ESCAPE — THE
REGIMENT RETURNS TO THE ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND
— CAMP LIFE AT CLEVELAND — WHEELER^S ATTEMPT TO
CAPTURE THE REGIMENT.
Soon after the Union army fell back from Dandridge to
Knoxville, Longstreet immediately sent his cavalry, under
General Martin, to the east side of French Broad River, in
order that he might operate more freely on the right wing of
the Union army, which was held at that time by a small
force of cavalry under Brownlow and Palmer, numbering
about one thousand men and composed of the following
regiments : First Tennessee, Fifteenth Pennsylvania and
Tenth Ohio.
This small brigade had been operating in this moun
tainous country for some time, watching a force that was
reported to be approaching from North Carolina. Martin
marched his army across the country from Dandridge and
went into camp near Fair Garden. This unexpected move
ment of Longstreet's cavalry made it necessary to push for
ward the divisions of McCook and Wolford from Knoxville
to our support. Late in the afternoon of the 26th, the enemy
under Martin was discovered advancing toward Sevierville,
on the Fair Garden road.
McCook's division was at once ordered forward to meet
this force. The division moved through Sevierville, and when
four miles beyond, Campbell's brigade struck the enemy well
posted behind the east fork of Pigeon River. Campbell
formed his brigade in line of battle to the right of the road,
and in a few minutes Martin opened fire on him with his
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 139
artillery, which was posted on a high range of hills north of
Pigeon River. The second shell that was fired by this bat
tery exploded directly over the colors of the First Tennessee,
doing no damage except wounding one horse.
One section of Lilly's battery was sent to the front, and
soon the natives heard for the first time the reverberating
sound of the loud-mouthed monsters, while the swift messen
gers of death went flying through the air high above our
heads into the ranks of the enemy beyond the river. Dark
ness soon ended this artillery duel. The First Tennessee was
moved a short distance to the left, in the bend of the river,
where it lay in line of battle during the night, which was ex
ceedingly cold.
There seemed to be great activity in the enemy's camp
during the night, indicating to us that reinforcements must
be arriving. There was sharp firing on the picket-line dur
ing the night.
On the morning of the 27th there was a heavy fog
along the river, making it impossible to see but a short dis
tance, but as soon as the fog lifted, lively skirmishing began
all along the line. Campbell's brigade was ordered forward
and at the crossing at Dr. Hodsden's, the enemy was en
countered in force, and after a sharp skirmish with some
Texas troops, we drove them back and crossed the river,
capturing several prisoners on the opposite side. Among
them was a major, with long, black hair, who was badly
wounded.
The enemy fell back about one mile and took up a new
position at McNutt's bridge, a covered structure over the
Little East Fork of Pigeon River, where we found them well
posted behind a rail barricade along the north bank. Lilly's
battery was sent to the front and after shelling them vigor
ously they fell back into the woods.
Our whole line was ordered forward to the river, and
a detachment of the Second Michigan was dismounted and
ordered to cross a short distance above the bridge for the
purpose of turning their left flank. The brave Michigan
140 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
boys were overpowered, and after a sharp engagement were
compelled to fall back, pursued by the enemy. On account
of their superior number we were unable to hold them in
check at the bridge, and after a gallant resistance our whole
line was forced back a short distance.
General McCook, finding the enemy's position too strong
to be carried, sent the Second Brigade, under LaGrange,
on a road to his left that intersected the Fair Garden road
about two miles from the latter place. Here General Mar
tin had selected a strong position in the timber and was
holding a part of his force in reserve. LaGrange soon en
countered the enemy under Morgan and drove them back
along the road almost to the intersection of the two roads,
and nowr \vaited for Campbell's brigade to come up on the
main Fair Garden road.
The enemy still occupied the bank of the river, with a
strong line of skirmishers, but the main force had taken
up a new position in the timber, about a half mile from the
stream. Campbell's brigade was now ordered to advance
and carry the bridge, which it did in gallant style, driving
the enemy back from every position they attempted to hold.
We continued to drive them back along the road leading
to Fair Garden, and as we neared the junction of the two
roads the column we were pursuing began to show signs
of a panic.
Both brigades had driven Martin's troops back on their
position at the intersection of the two roads, where they
made a bold and determined stand, opening on us a heavy
artillery and musketry fire. A portion of the Second Brigade
was dismounted and advanced across an open field, driving
back the enemy's right. The dismounted men now wheeled
to the left and opened a brisk flank fire upon the force that
was confronting Campbell's brigade.
The enemy, being hard pressed all along their line, be
gan to show signs of wavering, when Colonel LaGrange led
a portion of the Second and Fourth Indiana Cavalry in a
gallant saber charge, routing Morgan's division, capturing
TENNESSEE: VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 141
his battle-flag and a part of his escort, two pieces of artillery
and one hundred and twenty-five prisoners. While the Sec
ond Brigade was engaged in this ''cutting and slashing"
business, Campbell's brigade was driving a superior force on
a parallel road just to the right of the Second Brigade, and
as the two brigades were approaching the junction of the two
roads, the Second, being a little in advance, were in danger
from the fire of the First Brigade.
Campbell's brigade pushed Martin's troops back rapidly
on the Fair Garden road, capturing scores of prisoners and
throwing them into great confusion. Martin's troops being
thoroughly routed, now fled in all directions, the road being
lined with guns, accoutrements and hats. Colonel Brown-
low was ordered to charge down the road with his regiment
after the fleeing enemy, which he did with his usual gal
lantry, but in doing so he charged by two regiments, said
to be the Eighth and Eleventh Texas, who were approaching
the same road he was on, but to his left and rear.
They came on the gallop and were either reinforce
ments or some of Martin's scattered troops. It was a critical
moment, as the regiment was some distance beyond the sup
port of the brigade, and it was "fight or be captured." But
Brownlow was equal to the emergency. He hurriedly
formed his men in line to the right of the road, and as the
enemy passed by he ordered the regiment to give them a
volley, which emptied several saddles. Colonel Brownlow
now led his regiment in a charge against this force, throw
ing it into rapid retreat.
It was now growing dark, but the pursuit was continued
until the First Tennessee was some distance in advance of
the brigade, and at the same time was without support and
within the enemy's lines. Colonel Brownlow, deeming it
unwise to pursue further, halted his troops and started to re
turn to his command, and in the darkness became separated
from his men and was captured by some Texas troops ; but
by a little strategy and a gold watch, he succeeded in making
his escape during the night and early the next morning re
turned to camp.
142 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
There was a feeling of sorrow and uneasiness in camp
during the night, as we were unable to determine whether he
was slain on the field or a prisoner. But imagine our sur
prise on the following morning when Brownlow came into
camp safe and sound. The boys crowded around him and
after congratulations on his fortunate escape, cheer after
cheer went up from the regiment, for he was the idol of his
men and a general favorite of the entire brigade. If the
troops making the capture had known who their prisoner
was it would have taken several gold watches to win them
over ; in fact, no bribe or strategy would have saved him,
but, supposing the "doughty" colonel was only a poor pri
vate who wanted to see his family, let him go.
Campbell's brigade captured about one hundred and
fifty prisoners during the day. The loss in the First Ten
nessee during the day was remarkably light. Company C
lost two men wounded at McNutt's bridge, as follows : Cor
poral John A. Potter, wounded in right arm, and Private
James Baysinger, mortally wounded and died in hospital at
Knoxville, Tenn., February 16. At Fair Garden, Private
Andrew Edens, Company E, was severely wounded, and
Colonel Brownlow captured. McCook's division were the
only troops engaged at McNutt's bridge and Fair Garden,
and for the length of the engagement and the loss inflicted
the casualties were exceedingly light, being twenty-eight
killed and wounded.
Our division mourned the loss of the brave and gallant
soldier, Lieutenant-Colonel John P. Leslie, Fourth Indiana
Cavalry, Second Brigade, who fell at the head of his regi
ment in the moment of victory, leading a saber charge. His
loss was keenly felt not only in his own regiment, but in all
the command. The regimental flag of the Thirty-first Indi
ana Volunteers, a silk American flag and a battery guidon
in possession of the enemy, were captured. General Morgan
narrowly escaped capture himself.
General Martin left a large number of dead and
wounded on the field and his loss was estimated at three him-
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 143
dred and fifty. While the battle of Fair Garden is not classed
as one of the leading cavalry engagements as to loss, yet in
many respects it was a severe blow, and resulted in serious
loss to Longstreet's cavalry and artillery and the discomfiture
of his men. We had been engaged in a running fight during
the day of seven miles, beginning at Hodsden's, on the East
Fork of Pigeon River, and ending at Fair Garden.
General Longstreet makes the following report of the
battle :
MORRISTOWN, Jan. 29, 1864.
GENERAL S. COOPER, Adjutant-General:
Genera] Martin had a severe cavalry fight on the 27th. He was
driven back four miles with the loss of 200 killed, wounded and miss
ing, and two pieces of artillery. The enemy's cavalry has been greatly
increased by cavalry from Chattanooga. Most of the cavalry from
that place is now here. The men, about half that should be in our
regiments, are, 1 understand, in the camps about Dalton. I hope they
may be sent here or these sent there. We can do but little while this
superior cavalry force is here to operate on our flanks and rear. Do
send me a chief of cavalry.
J. LONGSTREET,
Lieutenant General.
General Sturgis makes the following report :
HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS,
Dickey's, Jan'y 27th, 1864 — 6 p. m.
GENERAL : After driving the whole cavalry force of the enemy
steadily all day long, our troops went in about 4 o'clock with the
saber and a yell and routed them, horse, foot and dragoon, capturing
over 100 prisoners and two pieces of artillery — 3-inch steel guns. Our
troops are very much worn down with continuous fighting and little
to eat, but they are a band of as patient and brave soldiers as I have
ever seen thus far. Some fifty or sixty of the enemy were killed and
wounded in this charge alone. In the whole day's fighting their loss
must be very large. As Walford and Garrard were brought from a
long distance, they fell in as a reserve, so that this glorious day's
work was performed alone by the gallant men of LaGrange's and
Campbell's brigades of McCook's divison.
Respectfully yours, etc.,
S. D. STURGIS,
Brigadier General Commanding.
It will be seen from the above letter that Longstreet was
144 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
of the impression that most all the cavalry from the Army
of the Cumberland was then confronting him. The only
cavalry from that army were the First and Second Brigades,
The Seventh Kentucky Cavalry of the Third Brigade and
Lilly's Eighteenth Indiana Battery, all of the First Division,
and the Fifteenth Pennsylvania and Tenth Ohio Cavalry, two
small regiments of the Third Brigade, Second Division — in
all, nine regiments and one battery.
After the battle of Fair Garden, all the Union troops
fell back to Sevierville. On the 29th, the cavalry was or
dered to Maryville, sixteen miles south of Knoxville, and
went into camp a short distance east of town. Maryville is
well and favorably known throughout the land as an edu
cational center. Here it was that Rev. Isaac Anderson,
a Presbyterian minister and pioneer in educational work, es
tablished a college in 1819 that has since become famous as
an institution of learning. Several members of the First
Tennessee were forced to leave school before completing
their education to avoid conscription into the Confederate
army.
On the first day of February, the First Tennessee and
Fourth Indiana, Second Brigade, all under the command of
Colonel Brownlow, First Tennessee, were ordered to make
a reconnoissance toward Sevierville. Reveille called us at
2 a. m., and with the stars for a light, we arose from our
warm beds and soon hundreds of blazing camp-fires were
seen all over the camp, as the men went about the prepara
tion of this early meal. Coffee-pots and tin-cups with water
and coffee in them were suspended over the fires, and when
the boiling point was reached the rich aroma whetted our
appetites, while some of the boys, skilled in the business,
manipulated the flapjack pans.
Breakfast over, we mounted and marched along the
main Sevierville road to Little River, where we were joined
by two regiments of infantry and one section of artillery as a
support. We forded Little River at McCamey's Ford and
marched to Trundle's Cross Roads, sixteen miles from Mary-
PRIVATE ALLEX S. TATE, COMPANY H
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 145
ville, where we bivouacked for the night. At 5 130 the next
morning we left camp and went as far as Boyd's Creek, and
within eight miles of Sevierville, where we learned that the
enemy were in force behind Pigeon River. The object of
the reconnoissance having been accomplished, Colonel
Brownlow returned to camp at Maryville.
For the next eight or ten days our camp was very quiet,
with nothing but the usual routine camp duty to perform,
affording the boys a splendid opportunity to wash their
clothing, rest and get ready for the next move. The last
duty performed by the regiment in the Army of the Ohio
was the reconnoissance toward Sevierville, as we were now
under orders to return in a few days to the Army of the
Cumberland. The First Tennessee had spent nearly three
months in this East Tennessee campaign, during the cold
est and most disagreeable weather the regiment had ever
experienced.
Our ranks had been invaded by disease, while shot and
shell and the much-dreaded "minie," with its dull thud, had
laid low some of our best and bravest men. But the First
Tennessee responded to duty with a will, and it mattered
but little whether it was on the scout, or the march, or
around a kettle of well-cooked beans or a pot of steaming
coffee, it was always present. The men composing the regi
ment had many peculiarities. If the commissary had no
hard-tack or flour for the men, they would do without either ;
if they had no beef, they were content with fat pork; if no
rice, they would put up with beans ; if no coffee, they were
satisfied with water; if none of the articles mentioned were
to be had, they were willing to satisfy the "craving stom
ach" with parched corn.
But with all the trials and hardships incident to a
soldier's life, the men composing the First Tennessee can
point with pride to duty well performed, under the most try
ing and adverse circumstances, receiving from their com
manders the highest admiration for obedience and unmur
muring endurance on the march or the field of battle.
146 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
When it became known that the First Tennessee was to
return to the Army of the Cumberland, all over our camp
men could be seen taking from their saddle-bags their small
stock of stationery, and, while sitting around a smoky camp-
fire or beside a sturdy oak, were engaged in writing a hasty
letter to the dear ones at home, and to some it was the last.
On the loth day of February, McCook's division, to
which the First Tennessee belonged, broke camp at Mary-
ville and started by slow and easy march for Cleveland. The
route we marched over presented to the observing cav
alrymen one of rare beauty and grandeur. Old "Mother
Earth" was still wearing her winter dress, while the cold,
biting frost had robbed the trees of their beauty, giving us
an unobstructed view of the grand old mountains, while on
every hand the clear, rippling streams, that were rushing
madly on to form and help to make up the mighty ocean,
furnished us with plenty to drink.
We marched through Madisonville and crossed Little
Tennessee River at Nile's Ferry, camping for a few days
on Tellico River and near the celebrated Tellico Plains. A
detachment of the Second Brigade was sent from this place
on a scout to Cherokee county, North Carolina, where it
succeeded in capturing thirty-eight prisoners, mostly Indians,
and twenty-five horses and mules. This scout was accom
plished without any loss on our side. The Indians were very
sullen and refused to talk much. Among them was a min
ister who preached on Sunday to a large audience of "Yan
kees."
Forage being scarce at this place, we moved a few miles
up the Little Tennessee River and went into camp near the
foot of Smoky Mountain, where we found only a small
amount of grain for our horses. While at this place a light
snow fell, whitening up the earth and the mountain, adding
grandeur to the scenery. February 18 found us again on the
move. We marched through Athens and went into camp
near Chestooa camp-ground, said to be one of the oldest
churches and camp-grounds in all that country, the church
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 147
deriving its name from a small, sluggish stream of the same
name near by.
At this camp pay-rolls were made out, but we were not
paid until Cleveland was reached. About the last of the
month the whole division was moved to Calhoun, on the
Hiwassee River, where it went into camp some four miles
below. Major Thornburgh, who was painfully wounded at
Dandridge, December 24, 1863, rejoined the regiment at this
place and was warmly received by the boys. On the nth
day of March, we left camp and marched back to Calhoun,
crossed Hiwassee River on a pontoon bridge, and marched
a few miles beyond Charleston, where we camped for the
night.
The next morning, McCook received orders from Gen
eral Elliott to move his division to Cleveland, which place
he reached late in the afternoon and camped for a few days
west of town on the Cotton Port road. Good camping-
grounds were selected and tents put up with great care,
adding greatly to the appearance and beauty of the camp.
This was the first regular camp that we had laid out during
the East Tennessee campaign, and was the first time that our
tents had been stretched in three months, and we again
enjoyed the almost forgotten luxury of sleeping in tents.
We now began to "play" soldier again. Company and
battalion drills and dress-parades had been unknown to us
during this mid-winter campaign, and while waiting for
orders our time was occupied in reviewing the early lessons
of the regiment. The First Tennessee was never accused of
being a "band-box regiment," but its staying qualities were
equal to its ''style." After a short stay in this camp, the
First Tennessee was moved about one mile east of town on
the Spring Place road. Our new camp was near a large and
famous spring, known about Cleveland as "Rhat's Spring,"
from which many a weary traveler had slaked his thirst in
days gone by at this free, sparkling fountain.
The First Tennessee remained in this camp until the
general advance of the army in May. The duty imposed
148 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
upon the troops was light and consisted mainly in scouting
and picketing. Our worthy and distinguished chaplain, the
Rev. John P. Holtsinger, preached to us regularly every
Sunday morning, and here the writer will venture the asser
tion that no regiment in the service had a higher regard or
was more devoted to their chaplain than the First Tennessee.
It never fell to the lot of the First Tennessee to be out
of sight of the enemy long at a time, and therefore it ac
quired great fame as a fighting regiment. The dashing Jim
Brownlow, than whom there was none braver, led his men
constantly at the front, and they were always in at the finish.
We were now enjoying the real sunny side of a soldier's
life, and what a change it was from the active campaign
just closed.
"No rumor of the foe's advance
Now swells upon the wind,
No troubled thought at midnight haunts
Of loved ones left behind ;
No vision of the morrow's strife
The warrior's dream alarms,
No braying horn or screaming fife
At dawn shall call to arms."
The greater part of the Confederate army, under the
command of General Joseph E. Johnson, was encamped near
Dalton, Georgia, about thirty miles from our camp, conse
quently the outposts of the Union army were kept some dis
tance out. The enemy's cavalry under Wheeler lay en
camped near Spring Place, and occasionally their scouting
parties would attack our outposts, and especially on the
Spring Place road, and as this was considered to be the most
important road leading to the enemy's camp, it was kept
well picketed. Owing to the long distance of this outpost
from camp, the men detailed for picket duty on this road
would remain out from two to three days before being
relieved.
A detachment of the First Tennessee had been on picket
on this road, but was relieved by a detail from the First Wis-
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 149
consin, Second Brigade. General Wheeler, the able and
dashing leader of Johnson's cavalry, learned that Jim
Brownlow's regiment was on picket on this road, and de
termined to surprise and capture it. He moved with his
accustomed boldness and succeeded in surrounding and cap
turing the most of the men, and when asked why he brought
so large a force to capture a picket-post, remarked that he
understood that Jim Brownlow's regiment was on picket
and that it could not be captured with a handful of men, as
he had met the regiment often and knew of its splendid
staying qualities.
During our stay at Cleveland and before starting upon
the Georgia campaign, some changes were made in the First
Brigade. The Ninth Pennsylvania, which had been in the
brigade ever since its organization at Triune, was trans
ferred to the Third Division, and their place filled by the
Eighth Iowa Cavalry, a new regiment commanded by Col
onel J. B. Dorr. We regretted very much to part with this
gallant regiment, for we were close friends, and besides,
the kindest feeling existed between the three regiments com
posing the brigade. It made no difference which regiment
was in the advance or which one covered the retreat, each
could be relied on when in a "tight place." The Iowa boys
— nicknamed "Persimmon Knockers" — proved themselves to
be good soldiers, and made a good record.
150 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
CHAPTER XL
THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN — FROM CLEVELAND TO PINE MOUN
TAIN — DUG GAP AND Tl I/TON — ACROSS THE COOSAWATTEE
AND ETOWAH — SOLDIERING UNDER DIFFICULTIES — BURNT
HICKORY — BROWNLOW'S HILL.
The spring of 1864 found the Union commanders east
and west making extensive preparations for a general ad
vance. Lieutenant-General Grant, at the head of a large
and well-equipped army, was ready to move on Richmond,
the proud city and capital of the Confederacy. Blooming
May found General W. T. Sherman at the head of a veteran
army the equal of Wellington's, and ready to move when the
Lieutenant-General issued the order. Lee, with the Army of
Northern Virginia, was protecting Richmond, while Johnson,
at the head of a large and well-equipped force, was in front
of Dalton, ready to dispute the advance of Sherman's army.
These two armies were the largest that ever had assem
bled east or west, but were too far apart for co-operation,
yet they could be helpful by a simultaneous movement. Gen
eral Sherman was at the head of a large army, composed of
well-seasoned veterans, and commanded by such able and
distinguished fighters as Thomas, McPherson and Schofield,
who commanded respectively the Armies of the Cumber
land, Tennessee and Ohio. Grant was to strike at the head
and Sherman at the heart of the Confederacy.
Sherman entered the campaign with an effective force
of nearly one hundred thousand men and two hundred and
fifty-four guns. Of these, the Army of the Cumberland had
sixty thousand men and one hundred and thirty guns; the
Army of the Tennessee, twenty-five thousand men and
ninety-six guns, and the Army of the Ohio, fourteen thou-
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 151
sand men and twenty-eight guns. General J. E. Johnson, the
Confederate commander, who was reckoned by military men
as almost the equal of Lee, was at the head of an army num
bering, at the opening of the campaign, about fifty-three
thousand men, but before the battle of Resaca was fought,
reinforcements increased it to seventy-one thousand, two
hundred and thirty-five men and one hundred and twenty
cannon.
General Sherman had issued an order for a general
advance of his army the first of May, consequently there was
a great hurry and bustle in camp, getting ready for the ap
proaching campaign. The sound of the blacksmith's hammer
was heard throughout camp, shoeing horses, repairing
wagons and ambulances for the march "through Georgia."
"Bring the good old bugle, boys, we'll sing another song,
Sing it with a spirit that will start the world along,
Sing it as we used to sing it, fifty thousand strong,
While we were marching through Georgia."
Winter had become a thing of the past, the biting winds
of March had also departed, and now May, with its warm
sunshine, had aroused to action the dormant germs of the
vegetable kingdom. All the beauties of springtime were
ushered in. Beautiful flowers unfolded their petals to our
view ; fragrant odors freighted the breezes, while upon every
hand the birds were apparently trying to see which could
sing their sweetest songs ; the bees were humming and buz
zing among the trees and clover for honey. As the army
marched along, unmindful of the surroundings, nature was
quietly getting in her work, covering old "Mother Earth"
again with a rich, green carpet, and seemed to rebuke man,
who was engaged in a business so much at variance with the
beautiful world.
Sherman's army was encamped at Cleveland and Chatta
nooga, and one of the most difficult problems to be solved was
that of supplies. This large army was to be supplied by a
single line of road from Nashville to Chattanooga, and thence
to Atlanta. This was a knotty problem, and its solution
152 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
turned upon the capacity of this single track to do the work.
Chattanooga again, as in 1863, became a place of great im
portance, and scenes of great activity were going on night
and day.
Large store-houses were built in which quartermaster
and commissary supplies were stored. In addition to the
supplies for the army this single line of road must also trans
port artillery and cavalry horses, mules, cattle and ammu
nition. Day and night the long, trembling trains were seen
rolling into Chattanooga with their precious cargoes. Long-
street's army had left East Tennessee and joined Lee in Vir
ginia, while Martin, with his cavalry, was sent to Johnson.
This left the Union troops that had wintered in East Ten
nessee free to join either Grant or Sherman.
The Ninth Corps was sent east, and McCook's cavalry
returned to the Army of the Cumberland, followed soon after
by Schofield's Twenty-third Corps. The order to march was
issued and soon myriads of tents disappeared like snow be
fore the sun. Knapsacks were packed, horses caparisoned,
letters answered, and on the third day of May the army be
gan to move. The First Tennessee broke camp at Cleveland
and moved with the remainder of the division along the Dai-
ton road. The march was continued to Red Clay, where it
bivouacked for the night. This move placed McCook's di
vision in advance and to the left of Stanley and Schofield.
Early on the morning of the. 4th, we advanced toward
Catoosa Springs, and during the day had several skirmishes.
On the 7th, we moved to Varnell's Station. At this place
the First Brigade encountered Wheeler's cavalry, and lively
skirmishing was kept up during the day. Late in the after
noon the enemy advanced in such numbers that LaGrange's
brigade was sent to our support.
The 8th was spent in maneuvering and skirmishing. On
the Qth, the Second Brigade was ordered to advance on the
Dalton road to develop the position and strength of the
enemy. A short distance from Varnell's Station, LaGrange
struck the advance of the enemy and drove it back on their
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 153
main line. Here a brisk engagement ensued, in which the
Second Brigade was driven back with serious loss, the bri
gade losing one hundred and thirty-nine killed, wounded and
missing. Among the latter was Colonel LaGrange, First
Wisconsin, commanding Second Brigade, who was badly
wounded and captured.
General McCook, in his report of the Georgia campaign,
says : ''During these days the services called from and ren
dered by the division were of the most arduous kind. Potato
Hill, a strong natural position, was assaulted and the first line
of the enemy's breast-works taken by the First Tennessee
regiment, under Colonel Brownlow." *
On the nth, the whole division moved through Tunnell
Hill to Dug Gap, an important position on the left of the
Union army, relieving General Geary's division, Twentieth
Corps. On the morning of the I3th, we crossed Rocky Face
Ridge, at Dug Gap, and joined Howard's Fourth Corps,
and during the afternoon engaged the enemy near Tilton.
The next day we moved forward in the direction of
Resaca, covering the advance of the Fourth Corps, and dur
ing the early part of the day met and drove back the enemy's
outposts upon his main force. During the operations around
Resaca a part of the division was dismounted and placed in
the rifle-pits, while the remainder held the left of Hooker's
line. After the battle of Resaca, the enemy retreated south
through Calhoun to Adairsville. At this place Johnson ex
pected to make a stand and offer battle, but finding his army
hard pressed and his flanks threatened, continued to fall back
to Cassville.
We were still on the left flank of the army and on the
1 6th crossed Connasauga River and camped for the night
near Field's Mill, on the Coosawattee. On the i/th, we
took the advance again and moved toward Cassville, leaving
Calhoun and Adairsville to our right. On the iQth, Mc-
Cook's division was pushed rapidly forward toward Cass
ville, and a short distance north of town the enemy's cav
alry and a force of infantry were encountered, and after a
154 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
brisk engagement they were driven back "pell-mell" into
town, losing thirty-eight by capture.
The First Tennessee Cavalry was in the advance, and
near sundown drove Wheeler's advance back upon the in
fantry, who were behind rifle-pits. The regiment captured
several prisoners. Lilly's battery was sent to the front and
shelled the enemy vigorously until dark. The regiment had
two men wounded and several horses shot.
We moved to Kingston on the 2Oth, where we remained
for a few days, resting and waiting for the railroad to be
repaired and the accumulation of supplies at Resaca. In
our front were the rough hills and gorges around Allatoona,
with but few roads and these very indifferent, penetrating
the densely wooded country. On the 23rd, the First Ten
nessee, with the remainder of the division, crossed the Eto-
wah River at Island Ford, and, taking the advance of the
army, moved through Euharlee to Stilesborough.
At this place we met and defeated Morgan's and Ross's
brigades. The next two days we continued to advance, skir
mishing almost continuously with the rear of Johnson's
army, and during the time crossed Raccoon and Pumpkin
Vine Creeks in advance of the Army of the Cumberland.
On the 26th, we caught up with Wheeler's cavalry near
Burnt Hickory, and after a sharp engagement he was driven
back upon the intrenchments held by the infantry, with a
loss of seventy-two prisoners. We captured a courier with
a dispatch from Johnson to one of his subordinate com
manders, in which he outlined his plan for the next move,
which was of great value to Sherman.
In this engagement the First Tennessee lost two men
captured, as follows : Samuel Carnes, Company C, and Cor
poral W. D. A. Schrade, Company E. Samuel Carnes, after
surviving all the horrors of Andersonville, was exchanged,
and on his return was lost on the ill-fated Sultana, April 27,
1865.
The heavy rains that had fallen during the past few
days had almost put an end to the operations of the army,
TENNESSEE: VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 155
for in that part of Georgia turnpikes were unknown. For
the next two or three days the boom of cannon could be
heard in the direction of Pickett's Mill, New Hope Church
and Dallas, where the Union troops were hammering away
at Johnson's intrenched lines. In this engagement Howard's
Fourth Corps suffered heavily, losing about fifteen hundred
men killed, wounded and captured.
Johnson was holding Allatoona Pass, a very strong
position on the Western & Atlantic railroad, with his left
extending to New Hope Church and Dallas. From now
tmtil the 4th of June there was almost continuous righting,
night and day. The battle-lines were some six or eight
miles long, and the whole country was almost a battle-field,
with trenches running in all directions. This was possibly
the strongest and best fortified position on the whole cam
paign; and around these hills and mountains, whose crests
were covered with hostile guns, flanked with rifle-pits, des
perate fighting was carried on for several days, amid drench
ing rains and thunder-storms.
General McCook, in his report of the Georgia campaign,
says : ''From this time until the 3rd of June, the division
remained without infantry support, without forage for its
horses and but half rations for the men, holding successfully
a hilly, wooded country, utterly unfit for cavalry operations,
subject to continued and persistent attacks of all three arms
of the service, both by night and day."
On the 3rd, the army advanced, with McCook's division
on the left of Schofield's corps, and in this position moved
forward and took possession of the Dallas and Acworth
roads. We remained near this place, holding this part
of our line, reconnoitering and picketing heavily the coun
try some distance from our position. In the advance on
Acworth we found the enemy in force and ready for a
fight. As we approached the town, the First Tennessee,
being in the advance, found the enemy strongly posted on a
high hill, and after considerable skirmishing, Colonel Brown-
low led his regiment in a charge, drove the enemy back and
captured the hill.
156 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
This was the key to the position, and the Confederates,
knowing its importance, made several attempts to recapture
it, but were unsuccessful, and fell back, leaving the First
Tennessee in possession of the hill. The skill and courage
displayed by Colonel Brownlow in capturing and holding
this important place and the equal determination of the
enemy to retake it, made it a noted place, so much so that we
called it "Brownlow's Hill," in honor of the gallant com
mander of the First Tennessee. After we had captured the
hill, one section of Lilly's battery was sent forward and from
its summit the enemy's lines were shelled for some time.
Some of the Union commanders made mention of Brown-
low's Hill in their reports.
On the 5th, we moved to Acworth and drove the enemy
out and occupied the place. The morning of the 6th found
us again in the saddle and moving toward Big Shanty,
where we met the Confederates and after a light skirmish
they fell back and we occupied the place.
The Union army threw up earthworks as it advanced,
and no doubt they are still visible in many places, and serve
as a reminder of what real war is. All this time the national
lines were being gradually extended to the left. This move
ment of Sherman's army alarmed Johnson, and on the night
of the 4th he abandoned his whole line and fell back to a
new line of defense, extending from Powder Springs on the
left to Lost Mountain, and thence to Pine and Kennesaw
Mountains on the right.
Cold, drenching rains had been falling almost continu
ously since the first of the month, making the roads almost
impassable. Streams were up and the earth was so well
soaked with water that activity was impossible, while dry
places commanded a premium, and, like all mountainous
countries in wet weather, it was cold and chilly, consequently
our bivouacs were very unpleasant. The Union soldiers
from the East and West were about to be disappointed in
their anticipations of the beautiful summer weather they had
expected to find in the "Sunny South," the land of cotton.
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 157
While nature was profuse in its gifts of hills and moun
tains, her valleys seemed to have been overlooked in this part
of Georgia.
The bridge over the Etowah had been completed and
the welcome sound of the locomotive was heard in our camp.
When the Confederate soldiers heard the whistle, they would
sing out, "There comes your hardtack, Yank ;" and when a
whistle was heard from the Confederate side, the boys in
blue would shout back the reply, "Here comes your corn-
meal, Johnny." The opportunity for this bit of pleasantry
did not occur very often to soldiers of either army, but was
a pleasant and agreeable change from the "pop-pop" of the
rifle on the skirmish line.
Just here I want to digress and make reference to two
incidents that have made the name of Big Shanty and Alla-
toona memorable in the history of the civil war. In April,
1862, while the Union army under General O. M. Mitchell
lay in camp near Murfreesboro, Tennessee, J. J. Andrews, a
citizen of Kentucky, then in the secret service of the govern
ment, planned an expedition for the purpose of destroying
the bridges on the Western & Atlantic railroad, between
Chattanooga and Atlanta. Twenty-one soldiers were de
tailed from the Second, Twenty-first and Thirty-third Ohio
Volunteers to assist him in his enterprise. They were picked
men, and among them were engineers, firemen and brake-
men of experience, all of them known to be strong men, men
of great courage and cool under the most trying and difficult
circumstances. This ill-fated expedition has already passed
into history as one of the most daring exploits of the war,
and the writer will not attempt to go into all the details of
the pursuit, capture and tragic death of the leader and seven
men of the famous raid, familiarly known, as "A Race for
Life." They all wore citizens' dress and received their in
structions from their leader. They secretly left camp and
moved to the appointed rendezvous, a thicket near Shelby-
ville, where, in the darkness and amid the low, muttering
sounds of thunder and the vivid flashes of lightning, these
brave, determined men perfected their plans.
158 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
After receiving their instructions they broke up into
small squads and made their way on foot to Chattanooga,
where they took the train and went as far south as Marietta.
From this place they turned back and at Big Shanty, a station
that had no telegraph office or an extra locomotive, and
while the train-men and passengers were at breakfast, they
detached the engine and three box-cars and started toward
Chattanooga at full speed. These brave men had been
drilled by Andrews until each one knew what to do and the
part he was to perform.
It was a thrilling moment. Andrews and his engineers
mounted the engine, known on the Western & Atlantic road
as the ''General,'' and the first three cars from the tender
were cut loose. Those selected for brakemen climbed nimbly
to the top and lay flat on the box-cars, while the remainder
jumped inside and closed the doors. The brakes were loos
ened, the steam turned on and the captured train started on
its perilous journey. There was a small detachment of Con
federate soldiers at the station, and when the alarm was
given the soldiers and citizens fired on the now rapidly mov
ing train.
The locomotive, with its precious freight, behaved splen
didly for a while, but soon came to a "halt" for want of
steam. During a five minutes' stop the fire was renewed and
sufficient wood gathered to run some distance. While ob
taining wood and waiting for the engine to steam up, the
wires were cut. At Cass' Station, Andrews secured water
for his engine and a time-schedule of the road, which was of
great value to him. Nothing special occurred until Kingston
was reached. Here a railroad leaves the main line and runs
almost due west, following the meanders of the Etowah
River, terminating at Rome.
The track was blocked with cars and matters looked
gloomy for Andrews and his devoted men, for all knew full
well that they were being pursued. Much valuable time was
lost in clearing the track at this and other points, to avoid a
possible collision. It is true Andrews had the start of his
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 159
pursuers, but was compelled to run slow to avoid accidents
on a crowded track, yet he usually kept the track clear and
was given the right of way by telling those he met that he
was running a "special train" loaded with powder for Gen
eral Beauregard's army at Corinth.
It will be necessary now to follow the movements of
those left at Big Shanty. When the alarm was first given,
the conductor, W. A. Fuller, and his engineer, Jefferson
Cain, and one or two others, rushed excitedly from the
breakfast table and started at once on foot up the track after
the captured train. After a chase of two or three miles,
Fuller and his party found the wires cut. The pursuers
rushed madly on after the fugitive train and, fortunately
for them, came upon a squad of trackmen with a hand-car.
The almost exhausted men, now elated at this piece of
good luck and with the aid of the brawny workmen, tugged
away at the cranks, up and down grade alike, as well as
around curves, making almost eight miles an hour. At one
time, while running at this break-neck speed, the hand-car
reached the point where a rail had been removed, and the
car, with its living freight, was tumbled headlong into the
ditch. This caused them to be more careful and run on a
slower schedule.
Near Etowah, Fuller saw the "Yonah," a splendid en
gine that was used to haul iron from the extensive furnaces
of Major Cooper, which were several miles from the
main line. This locomotive was standing on the main track,
fired up and headed for Kingston. With this powerful loco
motive, Fuller almost made a mile a minute between this
place and Kingston. When Fuller reached Kingston, he
found the track badly blocked and Andrews with his cap
tured train only a few minutes the start.
After working some little time in trying to clear the
track, Fuller became impatient at the delay, abandoned the
"Yonah" and took possession of the "Shorter," an engine
used on the Rome branch.
On leaving Kingston, Andrews found by consulting
160 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
his time-table that there was still a freight and a passenger
train between Adairsville and Chattanooga. Before reach
ing Adairsville, Andrews halted long enough to cut the wires
and obstruct the track. Andrews reached Adairsville a few
minutes before the freight train. Here Andrews again
worked his powder-train racket and moved out as fast as
steam would move his train, while the men in the rear box
car dropped cross-ties upon the track and poured oil on the
rails.
Calhoun, the second station north, was reached, and here
the long-expected passenger train was met, and as the fugi
tive train glided by, Andrews and his men breathed easier,
as the track was now clear to Chattanooga. The next stop
made by Andrews was near the bridge over the Oostenaula
River. Here the pursued halted for the purpose of oiling
their engine, removing a rail and burning the bridge, but
before this task was accomplished they were startled by the
whistle of Fuller's engine.
Andrews' only hope of escape was to either burn a
bridge or wreck the train of his pursuers. So far not a
bridge had been burned and but little damage had been done
to the track. The rear car of Andrews' train was dropped
for the purpose of wrecking Fuller's engine, but he, being an
old railroader, slowed up and, picking up the abandoned car,
continued the pursuit. The exciting chase was continued
mile after mile, crossing bridges and passing stations at a
high rate of speed.
At Dalton a branch road leaves the Western & Atlantic
and runs to Cleveland, Tennessee, where it connects with the
main line running from Knoxville to Chattanooga. An
drews took the left-hand road at Dalton and dashed madly
on toward Chattanooga. Andrews made another attempt to
cut the wires and obstruct the track a short distance from
Dalton, but before it was accomplished Fuller again came
in sight and the flight was continued. Andrews now placed
all his men on the engine and tender, set fire to his remain
ing car and left it in the center of a small covered bridge,
hoping as a last resort that the structure might burn.
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 161
Fuller was so close that he was able to push the burning
car across before doing any damage, sidetrack it and con
tinue to pursue the intrepid soldiers. The "General," though
jaded and almost without fuel, was still urged on to its ut
most speed, hoping yet that it might be able to reach the
Union line with its precious load.
But it was hope against despair, and when near Grays-
ville, Georgia, nineteen miles from Chattanooga, Andrews
and his devoted men abandoned the noble old locomotive
that had made such a long run without accident. The men
now fled in all directions to avoid capture, but after enduring-
great hardships all were captured and placed in jail at Chat
tanooga. Strenuous efforts were now made by the Confed
erate authorities at Chattanooga to obtain from Andrews
and his men the name of the leader and the principal partici
pants in this great military enterprise, but all efforts were in
vain.
Mistreatment and short rations were resorted to in hope
of accomplishing what other methods had failed in, but all
was naught — even Sims' dungeon had no effect. Later on,
Andrews and seven of his men were hung in Atlanta. Eight
of this daring band made their escape from the Atlanta
prison the following October; the remaining members were
exchanged in March, 1863. The remains of Andrews and
his seven companions who were executed in Atlanta, now
sleep in the National Cemetery at Chattanooga, a beautiful
monument marking their last resting-place.
A part of these men were confined for a short time in
the Knoxville jail. Some were tried in the old courthouse,
that stood at that time on Main street, opposite .the old
Franklin House, the present site of the new courthouse.
Hon. O. P. Temple, a lawyer and one of the great Union
leaders of 1861 and one of Knoxville's prominent citizens,
not only defended them in that dark and trying hour, but
also befriended them the best he could under the circum
stances. Thus ended a great military enterprise. The dam
age done to the railroad was so light that it amounted to
162 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
nothing. If Andrews could have destroyed all the bridges
on the Western & Atlantic road as contemplated, the loss
would have been a serious one and greatly embarrassed the
Confederates at Chattanooga and elsewhere.
Allatoona Pass, the natural fortress on the line of the
Western & Atlantic, road, had already fallen into our hands
by one of Sherman's flank movements. It was well fortified
and was made a secondary base for storing supplies. This
place shortly afterward became noted in "story and song."
After the fall of Atlanta and when General Hood was mak
ing his famous movement north for Tennessee and in the
rear of Sherman's army, French's division of Stewart's
corps was ordered forward in advance of Hood's army to
capture this stronghold. At this place Sherman had a very
large amount of rations stored for his army. This unex
pected movement of Hood caused Sherman to feel anxious
about their safety, and was at a loss to know where he would
strike first.
Allatoona wras garrisoned by eight hundred and ninety
men under the command of Colonel Tourtellotte, Fourth
Minnesota Volunteers. Sherman signaled from Vining's
Station, on the W. & A. road, to the station on Kennesaw
Mountain, and from there the message was sent over the
heads of the marching Confederates, "through the sky,"
eighteen miles away to the commander at Allatoona for
General Corse at Rome to be notified that he must hasten at
once to Allatoona with reinforcements for the garrison at
that place. Sherman hastened to the top of Kennesaw Moun
tain and during the day received a message from Corse,
stating that he was badly wounded and hard pressed. Sher
man sent back the following answer : "Hold the fort, for I
am coming." General Cox's division, Twenty-third Corps,
was then rapidly approaching with reinforcements. From
this message and the thrilling circumstances under which it
was sent has come this great gospel hymn, now sung by all
Christian people the world over :
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 163
"Ho! my comrades, see the signal,
Waving in the sky,
Reinforcements now appearing,
Victory is nigh !
CHORUS : Hold the fort, for I am coming, etc."
This bloody engagement was fought October 5, and a
victory won by the Union troops after a desperate struggle
in which French's division sustained heavy loss. The day
after the battle, General Corse wrote to General Sherman as
follows : "I am short a cheek-bone and one ear, but am
able to whip all hell yet." French sent a flag of truce, sum
moning the garrison to surrender, "to avoid the needless
effusion of blood," to which Corse promptly replied that he
was prepared for "the needless effusion of blood" whenever
it would be agreeable to General French.
In no instance during the war was the value of the
Signal Corps more fully illustrated than in the battle of
Allatoona, Ga.
164 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
CHAPTER XII.
ATLANTA CAMPAIGN CONTINUED — OPERATIONS AROUND PINE
MOUNTAIN — ADVANCE ON THE KENNESAW LINE — AS
SAULT AND FLANK MOVEMENT — DARING FEAT OF THE
FIRST TENNESSEE AT THE CHATTAHOOCHEE — BROWN-
LOW'S NAKED CHARGE.
Johnson had spent considerable time on his works
around Pine Mountain. In fact, we found a fort on almost
every hill, each being invariably flanked with long lines of
rifle-pits, with bristling bayonets visible above the head-logs.
McCook moved his division from Acworth and drove back
the enemy's advance and formed in line of battle near Pine
Mountain. From this position we could plainly see the
enemy in force on the top of the mountain.
Johnson had not only fortified the top of Pine Moun
tain, but had built a strong line of works close to the foot,
and from his lofty position he could overlook the camp of
the Union army and watch all of its movements. Lively
skirmishing was carried on between the two armies night
and day, and the keen crack of the rifle and the still louder
sound of the loud-mouthed cannon was heard all along the
line as the skirmishers crept forward.
Heavy rain-storms, accompanied with thunder — "heav
en's own artillery" — at times could hardly be distinguished
from the terrible discharges of the artillery from both armies,
which were constantly belching and bellowing at each other.
The constant "pop, pop" of the carbines and muskets along
the skirmish line sounded like wood-choppers, while the
much-dreaded "Minie" would come whistling uncomfortably
close to our heads. In this way hundreds of the boys in
blue were killed and wounded.
Johnson's lines extended from Lost Mountain to Kenne-
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 165
saw Mountain. Pine Mountain, or Pine Hill, as it is some
times called, is a little in front of the other mountains and
to the right of the Western & Atlantic Railroad, but was
connected with the main line of works by strong rifle-pits.
Pine Mountain is conical in form and very steep, and is a
great deal higher than Lost or Kennesaw Mountains. On
its summit Johnson had a signal station in full working
order, from which he kept his army fully posted about the
movements of Sherman's army. There were numerous bat
teries on this eminence, protected by heavy earthworks,
while down near the base a strong line of rifle-pits encircled
the hill.
On the 1 4th, Lieutenant-General Leonidas Polk, who
commanded a corps in Johnson's army, was killed by a shell
fired from Simonson's Fifth Indiana Battery, Fourth Corps.
On the 1 5th, we were ordered to Lost Mountain and took
up a position on the right of the Twenty-third Corps, which
at that time was the extreme right of the Union army. The
next day we advanced and drove the enemy from his position
on the side of the mountain. In this engagement the First
Tennessee sustained the following loss :
Killed — Company B, Elcana Gipson.
Wounded — Company M, Corporal James S. Moody.
Captured — Company D, Corporal George Beckner, John
B. Morelock, Samuel Short, William Rush and Jack Brown ;
Company E, Captain Charles H. Burdick; Company G, W.
B. Taylor.
General McCook, in his report of the Atlanta campaign,
makes mention of the engagement at Lost Mountain as fol
lows :
HEADQUARTERS FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION,
DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND.
In the Field near Lost Mountain, June I7th, 1864.
SIR : I have the honor to report that I found the north side of
Lost Mountain entirely inaccessible. They opened four guns from
entrenchments on the top of the mountain on my skirmishers about
3 p. m., which were silenced by a section of my battery. Two regi
ments, Fourth Indiana and First Tennessee, got inside of the first
166 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
line of barricades on west side of mountain, but could get no further.
Late in the evening, part of their lines were occupied by their in
fantry; so reported by Major Helveti. I will try to get in the rear
of their line to-morrow morning, while General Stoneman demon
strates in their front. Their position is strong and their force much
larger than mine, and I do not feel sanguine of accomplishing any
material result, but think that I can annoy them excessively and
attract their attention to this end of the line.
E. M. McCooK,
LIEUT. D. F. How, Brigadier-General-Commanding.
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General
General Sherman continued to press the enemy at all
points, and on the I7th Johnson abandoned his position at
Lost Mountain and fell back to a strong position behind
Mud Creek, which extended along the base of Kennesaw and
across the Western & Atlantic road. In addition to this
line of works at the base of Kennesaw, a still stronger line
was built on the top, extending the entire length. Several
forts were also erected on the summit and artillery placed in
them. From the larger Kennesaw, Johnson could, as he did
at Pine Mountain, witness the movements of the Union
troops.
This was a position of great strength and was thor
oughly entrenched and made strong by a liberal use of the
pick and shovel. Johnson's line of retreat was along the
Western £ Atlantic road, and as Sherman advanced the road
was kept repaired close on the heels of the victorious army.
At times the train would be run almost up to the skirmish
line. In the operations around Kennesaw Mountain, Mc-
Cook's division remained on the right wing of the Union
army, and on the i8th moved around the left flank of Har-
dee's corps and drove his cavalry across Mud Creek and
pursued it along the Dallas and Marietta wagon-road.
In this venturesome move, McCook's division succeeded
in getting within five miles of Marietta, capturing on the
way two hospitals, which contained some forty or fifty sick
and wounded officers and men, together with their attend
ants and nurses. Notwithstanding the continuous down-
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 167
pour of rain and the bad condition of the roads, Sherman
kept his army moving, driving the enemy from one position
to another. On the igth, the Union army advanced and
drove the enemy across Nose's Creek.
During this time McCook's division went as far south
as Powder Springs and Sweet Water Creek, driving in the
enemv's pickets at the former place. These movements on
Johnson's left alarmed him, and he sent Hood's corps from
his right to strengthen this wing of his army.
On the 22nd, Hood made a furious attack with his
corps upon a portion of the Twentieth and Twenty-third
Corps, but was repulsed with considerable loss. This was
known as the battle of Kulp's Farm, and was fought on the
right of the Union line, near Olley's Creek.
General Sherman's skirmishers had worked their way
close up to the foot of Kennesaw Mountain. This was a
position of great strength, and was held by a veteran army.
Sherman decided to make a direct assault on the 27th, and
ordered Generals Thomas and McPherson to make prepara
tions for the attack. At the signal, the troops designated
for this desperate work moved forward with that dash and
courage that everywhere characterizes the American soldier,
but no troops could stand the pelting storm of lead that was
falling upon them.
The assault failed, the columns retired, broken and
shattered, and the army mourned the loss of hundreds of its
bravest and best men, Generals Harker and McCook being
among the slain. During this assault in the center, Sher
man ordered his whole line forward and some sharp fighting
was done at different places on the line. Sherman continued
his demonstrations on the right to turn the position he had
failed to carry by assault.
On the ist day of July, the divisions of McCook and
Stoneman moved through Powder Springs and down toward
Campbellton, as far as Sweet Water, skirmishing almost all
the way, but finding no large bodies of the enemy. On the
night of July 2, General Johnson withdrew his troops from
168 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
Kennesaw Mountain and fell back to a strong line of works
at Ruff's Station, his line extending across the track of the
Western & Atlantic road. This new line of works was laid
out by a competent and skilful engineer and was one of great
strength.
On the 4th, we moved to Marietta. From this place
we were ordered to the left, and bivouacked for the night on
Soap Creek, near Chattahoochee River. Sherman pursued
the retreating enemy on to his works at Ruff's Station, and
here the great national holiday, the Fourth of July, was quite
extensively as well as expensively celebrated. The exercises
were of a very lively nature, and thousands took part amid
the boom of cannon and bursting of shells. In this engage
ment, General E. F. Noyes, of Ohio, lost a leg, and General
Sherman says, "I came very near being shot myself." Thus
in this strange and singular manner was our great Inde
pendence Day celebrated by both armies.
Two months had passed since the opening of the At
lanta campaign, and during that time Johnson had been
forced to give up position after position, had been driven
back from strongholds of his own selection until the spires
of the "Gate City" were almost visible to the boys in blue.
Johnson, finding his flanks again threatened, fell back from
Ruff's Station to the Chattahoochee River, where he en
trenched himself in the bend of the river. The recent heavy
rains had so swollen the Chattahoochee that the few fords
were impassable. Johnson ordered all the ferry-boats to
be destroyed for miles up and down the river, to prevent
them from being used by the Union army.
McCook's division remained near the mouth of Soap
Creek for several days, guarding the ferries on this part of
the Union line. During the time, lively and continued skir
mishing was kept up along our whole front, at times resem
bling a battle. The pickets would conceal themselves in the
bushes along the bank of the river and fire upon the Con
federates, who were in trenches or behind rocks and trees
on the opposite shore.
CAPTAIN CHAS. H. UUKDICK. COMPANY E
As he appeared after his release from prison, 1864
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 169
It was while McCook's division was holding this part
of the Union line that the First Tennessee, under Colonel
Brownlow, performed one of the most daring and character
istic feats of the war. Colonel Brownlow was ordered to a
point on the river supposed to be fordable, with orders to
cross and develop the strength of the enemy on the opposite
side. The place where he was ordered to cross was at Coch-
ran's Ford, some little distance above the mouth of Soap
Creek and near Powers' Ferry. Whether the order eman
ated from General Sherman, the corps, division or brigade
commander wras a subject that was "cussed and discussed"
by the boys, both during and after the execution of the order,
and the conclusion was reached that the "General" who is
sued it must have considered the men of the First Tennessee
not only web-footed but thick-skinned fellows, capable of
swimming a river which they or their horses could not ford,
and of going into battle minus clothing or even wearing the
proverbial undress uniform of a Georgia major — "a paper
collar and a pair of spurs."
They arrived at the designated point about 3 o'clock
in the morning, while the rain was falling in torrents, and
at daylight discovered a small force of the enemy on the
other side, supposed to number twenty-five or thirty men,
who had the advantage of being on higher ground and pro
tected by trees and rocks. As most of the regiment was
deployed along the river and were busily engaged in sending
their leaden compliments across, a few of the men charged
into the stream without the slightest knowledge of its depth,
the condition of its bed or the course of the ford.
As they advanced under a brisk fire, the water getting
deeper and deeper, the boulders on the bottom getting bigger,
men and horses floundering and wallowing, the bullets zip,
zipping and pattering in the water, it became evident that it
was not a proper place for good cavalrymen to cross, and
they came back out of that river tolerably fast — at least,
much faster than they went in. Though their spirits and
ardor as well as their clothing and ammunition were some-
170 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
what dampened in their futile attempt to cross, they had
no idea it would be the last of it, or that they would permit
such an insignificant force to hold them longer in check.
A consultation of the officers was held, and it was de
cided to find a native who knew the ford and to show its
course. Meanwhile their carbines were kept busy, and as
the day wore on, Colonel Dorr, commanding the brigade,
made his appearance and seemed as mad as a hornet because
the boys were not in possession of the opposite side. Dis
satisfied with explanations made, he gave Brownlow per
emptory orders to move at once on the enemy, and uttering
an unnecessary threat that would be executed in case his
order was not promptly obeyed.
The acting brigade general rode off, leaving Rev. Wil
liam G. Brownlow's gallant son in a truly "fighting-mad"
frame of mind. These were the facts as they came to the
men in the ranks. Soon thereafter, a few of the boys were
called to the rear — there were just nine men in all — and
Colonel Brownlow said, "Boys, we are going to cross that
river. It is plain we can't ford it here, and as we have no
pontoons, and can't very well make a swimming charge,
we'll find another way or break the breeching."
Then, giving directions for the men at the ford to keep
up an incessant fire so as to divert the attention of the enemy
from the move about to be made, the colonel led his little
squad through the brush to a point about a mile up the river,
behind a bend, where, lashing a couple of logs together and
placing their carbines, cartridge-boxes and belts thereon,
they stripped to the skin and, leaving their hats, boots and
clothing behind, swam the river, pushing the raft in front
of them.
The appearance of nine naked men with belts on, as they
stood in line, was somewhat ludicrous, and while Brownlow
was giving, in undertones, the directions and plan of attack,
it was difficult to repress the humorous remarks interjected
by the boys, witty expressions, some of them, that would
make the gravest soldier laugh, but would not be appreciated
TENNESSEE; VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 171
by civilians unfamiliar with military terms. "I'll be durned
if this ain't baring our breasts to the foe, for a fact," said
one. "I reckon the rebs will climb them trees when they find
out we're a lot of East Tennessee bear hunters," put in an
other. "Talk low, talk low!" said Brownlow, "for the suc
cess of this attack depends upon our quietness until we close
in with the game, and then you may yell like ." Well,
they started, with trailed carbines, into the cedar thicket,
which concealed them from the enemy's view, leaving one
man to guard the raft, and moved as rapidly as the nature of
the ground would permit, but the funny expressions soon
gave place to some that were in violation of the Third Com
mandment.
They were all "tenderfoots," and as the sharp stones
and dry twigs harrowed their soles, and their naked bodies
were scratched and punctured by the cedar brush and stung
by insects, some vigorous profanity was naturally indulged
in. "Curse low, men," ordered Brownlow as he turned his
head, and in doing so he nearly stumbled to the ground, but
as he recovered himself and went limping along he continued,
in a very loud voice, "The occasion is worthy of considerable
profanity, but cuss low, cuss low !" Coming to a road that
led to the ford, about four hundred yards in the rear of the
enemy, and reconnoitering the location and number of the
rebel reserves, they formed for the charge, and moved
quietly forward, unseen by the rebs, until they got within
forty or fifty yards of them.
Then, turning their carbines loose and rushing on them
with a yell, in a very few minutes most of those Confederates
were awaiting the orders of the Tennesseans. Some of
them got away, but they bagged twelve. One of the last to
give up was a freckled-faced fellow, half concealed behind a
tree. When he was covered and surrendered, he threw
down his gun and said: "I surrender, but dog-gone my
skin, Yanks, 'taint fair to come at us in that way. If we'uns
had been strong enough to take you'uns, the Confederate
government 'ud hung you all for spies, as you hain't got no
uniforms on."
172 HISTORY 01? FIRST REGIMENT
The prisoners were hustled up the river to the raft,
where they swam across in advance of their captors and
were received by some of the boys, who had come up to cover
the retreat, if necessary. Thus a simple little order was
executed. The rebels said it was a "Yankee trick." We'll
agree that it was. Now, you will notice, the colonel of the
regiment went into that "scrimmage" just as naked as the
other boys. He might have had his clothes carried across
the river for him by one of the privates, or he might have
detailed a lieutenant or a captain to lead the attack, while
he, in some safe position, viewed the battle "from afar."
But, like a true volunteer, standing not upon his dignity or
rank, he was willing to bear the same hardships or share
the same fate as the privates.
General McCook makes honorable mention of this dar
ing feat, said to be the only naked charge made during the
war :
HEADQUARTERS FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION,
DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
July pth, 1864.
GENERAL: I have the honor to report that a detachment under
Colonel Dorr crossed the pontoon this afternoon, and scouted the
country in front of General Schofield. They found the enemy's cav
alry there in force.
Brownlow performed one of his characteristic feats to-day. I
had ordered a detachment to cross at Cochran's Ford. It was deep,
and he took them over naked, nothing but guns, cartridge-boxes and
hats. They drove the enemy out of their rifle-pits, captured a non
commissioned officer and three men, and the two boats on the other
side. They would have got more but the rebels had the advantage
in running through the bushes with clothes on. It was certainly one
of the funniest sights of the war, and a very successful raid for
naked men to make.
Everything is quiet along the line, and citizens on the other side
say the enemy were totally unprepared for a crossing on this flank.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. M. McCooK,
Brigadier-General Commanding Division.
GENERAL W. L. ELLIOTT, Chief of Cavalry.
The morning after this occurrence, notice was given of
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 173
the changed situation by a reb, yelling out across the river :
"Hello, Yank!" "What do you want, Johnny?" "Can't
talk to you'uns any more." "How is that?" "Orders to
dry up." "What for, Johnny?" "Oh, Jim Brownlow with
his d d Tennessee Yankees swam over upon the left
last night and stormed our rifle-pits naked, captured sixty of
our boys and made 'em swim back with him. We'uns have
got to keep you'uns on your side of the river now." This
expedition was quite succcessful, but it completely broke up
the friendly relations that had existed the past two days
between the boys in blue and gray along the banks of the
Chattahoochee.
On the afternoon of the 8th, Bird's Third Brigade,
Third Division of the Twenty-third Corps, laid a pontoon
near us at Phillips' Ferry and crossed over without much
opposition, and intrenched. In this brigade there were two
Tennessee regiments that had formerly belonged to Mor
gan's Seventh Division, Army of the Ohio, namely, the First
and Fifth, the latter being in our old brigade when we were
at Cumberland Gap, in 1862. The most of the crossings for
eight or ten miles along the south side were kept guarded,
the enemy being protected by detached fortifications and
rifle-pits.
On the night of the Qth, Johnson moved his army to
the south side of the Chattahoochee, burned the railroad
bridge and fell back to Peachtree Creek, where he again
built a strong line of works along the south bank. The
Army of the Tennessee, under McPherson, was transferred
from the right to the left, near Roswell, above Powers'
Ferry, where in a few days it crossed, the remainder of
Sherman's army crossing at Pace's Ferry, below the mouth
of Soap Creek.
McCook's division was ordered to the right, below the
Western & Atlantic road, where it rebuilt an old fort near
where a bridge had been burned. Lilly's battery was placed
in the fort, and on the I7th the enemy opened on our battery
with nine guns from the forts on the south side of the river.
174 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
The fort being rudely constructed, the enemy's shells almost
destroyed the works and compelled the battery to cease
firing for a short time, but in the afternoon the enemy were
discovered leaving, when Lilly's guns were run back and
opened a rapid fire on the retreating columns.
After crossing the river, we moved forward on the
Sandtown road, skirmishing heavily with the enemy during
the afternoon, occupying their position at Mason's Church
during the night. On the I7th day of July, General Joseph
E. Johnson was relieved by the authorities at Richmond and
General J. B. Hood placed in command. The greatest reason
assigned for his removal was his failure to check Sherman
and his victorious army, which was fast approaching the
objective point.
The thundering of the artillery and the rattle of mus
ketry had been heard from Tunnell Hill almost to the very
gates of Atlanta, and this city and its important railway con
nections were now in danger. One peculiar feature of the
campaign so far was that Johnson had never assaulted the
Union lines, but on the other hand had done the most of his
fighting behind positions of his own selection and works
that were almost impregnable. But the patience, skill and
watchfulness which he displayed on this memorable cam
paign entitled him to more praise than criticism. In the
language of the immortal Lincoln in reference to a proposed
change of commanders, said : "It is a bad plan to swap
horses in the middle of a stream."
On the 23rd, McCook's division was attacked near
Mason's Church, but repulsed the enemy. After this, orders
were given to build a line of works. In this engagement,
vStephen Smith, of Company A, was wounded.
There was constant skirmishing and heavy cannonading
maintained along our whole front. McCook's division was
thrown on Thomas's right, along Proctor's Creek, covering
the Mason and Turner's Ferry roads, and while holding this
position was attacked on the afternoon of the 25th. After
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 175
a brisk skirmish, the enemy were driven back, and we con
tinued to hold this part of Thomas' line until the 27th.
On the 2Oth, just three days after Hood assumed the
command of the Confederate army, he left his works and
assaulted our lines furiously at Peachtree Creek, but was
repulsed with severe loss. The desperate fighting on the
22nd, in which the gallant McPherson, commanding the
Army of the Tennessee, was slain, on the Union side, and
General Walker, on the Confederate side, and Ezra Church,
the 28th, were all fought by the new Confederate com
mander, and the result of each has already passed into his
tory. In these severe engagements, Hood was the attacking
party. He was brave and determined, but rash, and was now
about to lose the reputation that he had made in Virginia,
under Longstreet, as a "stubborn fighter." In these assaults
his loss was heavy, and he soon lost all taste for such reck
lessness and learned that it was much easier to defend rifle-
pits than to capture them by assault, and subsequent events
proved that his dash and eagerness to "rush" into battle cost
him his command, and the Confederacy an army.
176 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
CHAPTER XIII.
RAID BELOW ATLANTA — GREAT DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY —
DEATH OF LIEUT. ROBERTS — BROWNLOW REFUSES TO SUR
RENDER — CUTS THE LINES — HARDSHIPS OF THE MEN —
SWIMMING THE CHATTAHOOCHEE.
DIVISION OE THE MISSISSIPPI, July 25th, 1864.
SPECIAL FIELD ORDER No. 42.
General McCook and Colonel Harrison's cavalry will move
rapidly on Fayetteville and the railroad beyond, breaking it if pos
sible. General McCook will command the joint cavalry command,
his own and Colonel Harrison's, but will use Colonel Harrison's
fatigued command as a reserve, and his own to reach the road and
break it. The railroad when reached must be substantially destroyed
for a space of two to five miles, telegraph wires pulled down as far
as possible and hid in water or destroyed. The cavalry will, unless
otherwise ordered, move out at daylight of Wednesday, the 27th
instant, and aim to reach and break the railroad during the day or
night of the 28th, and, having accomplished this work, will return
to their proper flank of the army.
It will be seen from the above order that Sherman had
resolved to break the two main roads running south from
Atlanta. Stoneman, with five thousand men, was to move
upon and destroy the Atlanta & Macon road, while McCook,
with a force of about three thousand, five hundred men and
one section of Lilly's Eighteenth Indiana Battery, was to
break the Atlanta & West Point road. Before starting,
Stoneman asked permission to make an attempt with his own
division to release the two thousand Union prisoners at
Macon and the twenty thousand at Andersonville.
Before starting on this raid, the Fourth Kentucky
Mounted Infantry was attached to the First Brigade, taking
the place of the Second Michigan, which had previously
been sent to Middle Tennessee, where the veteran portion
A PONTOON BRIDGE
INSTRUCTION OF A RAILROAD TRACK
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 177
of the regiment was doing guard duty along the Nashville
& Decatnr Railroad. General John T. Croxton, a young
and gallant Kentuckian, and the former colonel of the
Fourth Kentucky, was placed in command of the brigade
and remained its commander until our muster-out.
McCook's division was composed of three brigades.
Croxton's brigade was composed of three regiments, and
had an aggregate strength at that time of only nine hundred
and forty officers and men. Everything was put in "trim"
for the raid, and on the morning of the 27th, McCook moved
his division back and crossed to the north side of the Chatta-
hoochee River at Turner's Ferry. From this place the di
vision was moved south to Campbellton, reaching the latter
place at 3 p. m.
From this point we still moved south about six miles
to Smith's Ferry, which is almost opposite Palmetto Station.
Here a pontoon bridge was laid, and we again crossed to the
south side early on the morning of the 28th with but slight
opposition. After crossing, the whole command mounted
and moved rapidly toward Palmetto Station, on the Atlanta
& West Point road, \vith the Second Brigade in the advance.
About two and one-half miles from the river the roads fork.
Croxton's brigade took the right-hand road and, with the
First Tennessee in the advance, pressed on rapidly, encoun
tering only small squads of the enemy, reaching Palmetto
Station at sunset, simultaneously with the Second Brigade,
which had moved on the left-hand road.
At this place two hours were spent in destroying the
railroad and telegraph line. We captured the mail, burned
the depot, which contained a lot of cotton and a large quan
tity of salt, bacon and flour ; tore up and destroyed the rail
road track, cut and pulled down the telegraph wire, and at
9 p. m. mounted and moved toward Love joy's Station, on
the Atlanta & Macon road, by way of Fayetteville, which
was reached at daylight on the 29th, destroying at this
place the mail and a lot of tobacco, whiskey and sacks.
At 5 a. m. the First Tennessee was ordered forward,
178 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
supported by a battalion of the Eighth Iowa under Major
Root, capturing on the way about five hundred loaded
wagons, which we turned over to the rear guard to burn,
and in this way we were able to help many a distressed
quartermaster to make settlement and "balance accounts."
The most of the wagons belonged to Hood's army, and
among them were several paymasters, with chests well filled
with Confederate money. The boys filled their pockets, and
on meeting a comrade who had failed to "suddenly become
rich," would make him a present of a few thousand dollars
by way of a joke.
We were soon overstocked with quartermasters, pay
masters, teamsters and camp-followers, and, to be truthful,
we had all the good horses and mules that we needed. The
sorry ones were ordered to be killed. As we approached
Flint River, the Confederates fired the bridge, but the First
Tennessee, led by Colonel Brownlow, charged across the
burning bridge, captured the guard, extinguished the fire
and saved the bridge. We reached the railroad at Love joy's
Station at 7 a. m., after an ail-night march, and immediately
cut the wire, and then commenced the destruction of the
track, depot and cars.
Major Thornburgh, First Tennessee, and Major Root,
Eighth Iowa, were ordered to the Station with their bat
talions to destroy the depot, cars and all other property,
which they did most effectually. They destroyed three hun
dred thousand dollars' worth of cotton and salt, one hun
dred dollars' worth of tobacco — so estimated by our officers
— besides a large quantity of bacon, lard and some miscel
laneous property. While this was going on, the road was
lined with men, who were busy tearing up the track and
rendering the rails useless by heating and bending them
around trees or over a pile of cross-ties.
When an army was pressed for time, the usual method
of rendering rails unfit for use was the bending process,
which wras both simple and quickly done. A dozen or so
ties were piled together, and across this the rails were placed
THE ADVANCE
FIRST LIEUTENANT JOHN ROBERTS, COM PAN Y C,
Killed at Lovejoy's vStation, Ga., July 29, 1864
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 179
side by side until it was thoroughly covered ; on each end of
the rails two heavy ties were placed, and when the rails got
hot enough from the burning ties the weight on the ends
would force them to the ground, while the raiders would be
many miles away.
General McCook expected to communicate with Stone-
man from this place, as he was supposed to be at or near
McDonough, and for that purpose kept his division waiting
until 2 p. m. At times the troops had to cease the destruction
of the road and take up their arms for battle. McCook, find
ing it impossible to communicate with Stoneman, decided
that it was unwise and dangerous to wait longer and ordered
his command to return to Moore's bridge, on the Chattahoo-
chee River, by the way of Newnan, on the Atlanta & West
Point road.
The delay almost proved fatal, as his command was
almost surrounded by Wheeler's cavalry before starting.
McCook had not moved his division more than one mile
when Croxton's brigade, which was in the rear, was cut
off from the remainder of the division and attacked with
great vigor from the front and right flank by Armstrong's
division. The enemy rushed upon our little brigade with
all the ferocity of savages, but after a severe hand-to-hand
conflict they were handsomely repulsed, but not without
severe loss to the brigade.
Colonel Dorr, Eighth Iowa, was wounded, his adjutant
and one lieutenant killed. The First Tennessee mourned the
loss of Lieutenant John Roberts, Company C, who fell in
this engagement, and like a true soldier died at his post of
duty. He was brave, kind and courteous, beloved by all, and
especially by the members of his company, who knew of his
worth. His remains now rest in the beautiful National
Cemetery at Marietta, Georgia. The writer visited the ceme
tery a few years ago and found his grave.
The Fourth Kentucky lost two companies by capture,
and several men killed and wounded. After this spirited en
gagement, Croxton was able to withdraw his brigade, and
180 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
now moved rapidly forward and overtook the division. Me-
Cook now turned to the left and moved toward Newnan,
with the Second brigade in the rear, until Flint River was
reached. Here the division commander again placed Crox-
ton's brigade in the rear, and during that July night it cov
ered the rear.
The command was kept moving as rapidly as possible,
but the column was greatly impeded by the pack-train and
prisoners, \vhich at times completely blocked the road. The
men and horses were quite exhausted, and it was no
uncommon thing to find the men riding along sound asleep,
regardless of the strict orders from the officers to keep awake
and the column well closed up. All this time the rear guard
was hard pressed and the keen crack of the carbine was
heard ringing out on the midnight air, warning us that the
enemy was close upon the rear, covered by the gallant Fourth
Kentucky, under Colonel Kelly.
The advance guard was fired upon several times during
the night, and we momentarily expected to be attacked in
flank, as there seemed to be a great many roads tapping the
one over which we were marching. When Croxton's bri
gade reached the bridge over White Water Creek, the First
Tennessee was halted and formed in line, covering the road
where it crossed the stream, with orders to destroy the
bridge and then cover the rear to Newnan, which was about
ten miles southwest. The rear now became the place of
honor, as well as danger, but the First Tennessee never
asked for an easy place.
A small train of wagons was captured and destroyed
during the night. About 10 a. m. on the 3Oth, the advance
guard reached the Atlanta & West Point road near Newnan,
and immediately cut the telegraph wire and destroyed the
road in three places. This accomplished, McCook pushed
on to Newnan, where he encountered an infantry force that
had been stopped on its way to Atlanta by the break he had
made in the road at Palmetto on the 28th. McCook, find
ing the force at this place too strong and escape cut off by
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 181
this route, moved to the left and rear of the town, with
Harrison's brigade in the rear. He had moved his division
but a short distance, when he found a heavy force in his
front. This temporary check gave the infantry time to move
up to the support of Wheeler's cavalry, which greatly out
numbered the Union troops. Wheeler had with him the
divisions of Armstrong, Jackson and Roddy. The pursuing
cavalry now had him completely hemmed in and he was
compelled to drop his captives and fight. McCook's small
division, which had been greatly reduced by death and cap
ture, was in great danger of being captured. He ordered
his command to prepare for action.
Croxton was ordered to form his brigade in line of
battle, covering a road to his right, with the Eighth Iowa on
the left, the Fourth Kentucky in the center and the First
Tennessee on the right. The troops were dismounted, and
at the command charged forward under a hot fire, driving
back the enemy on this part of the line and holding them in
check. Just then a force was seen advancing in line of battle
in McCook's front. Croxton was ordered to mount his bri
gade and move forward at once.
This order was executed promptly and in gallant style
by the Eighth Iowa, supported by the First Tennessee, in
which Rose's brigade of Texas troops were driven back in
great confusion, the general and a part of his staff being
captured. McCook's division was almost surrounded and all
avenues of escape nearly cut off. The fighting was severe ;
in fact, it was one series of brilliant charges and counter
charges. Lieutenant Miller, "who was in command of the
section of Lilly's batery, had in the two hours of hard fight
ing used up all the canister, and had only a few shells left.
The enemy was fast closing in upon his guns when the First
Tennessee was ordered to charge and save them if possible.
The regiment raised the "yell," and in a few minutes the
enemy was sent flying to the rear. The regiment captured
several prisoners in this charge, and after sending them to
the rear, charged on after the flying enemy until their second
182 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
line was reached. Here the firing was very heavy, and all
that saved us was, they fired too high. The regiment was
then ordered to fall back.
The chances of escape now looked bad, and thoughts
of a horrible prison life seemed close at hand, for only a
short distance away were the well-known prison pens of
Andersonville and Macon, where at that time twenty-two
thousand Union soldiers were confined. McCook ordered
Lieuteant Miller to destroy his two guns, which had been
doing such deadly work, cut the harness to pieces and mount
his men on the artillery horses.
All this time the enemy was fast closing in on all sides
and, so far as we could see, we were completely surrounded.
McCook had put every man he had into the fight, even his
escort, and then was unable to hold the advantage gained
or even get through their line. McCook, finding his position
completely enveloped by a vastly superior force, and when
the day seemed lost and all hope of escape abandoned, called
a council of his brigade and regimental commanders to de
cide what to do. McCook spoke of their calamity and the
prospect of being made prisoners, when Colonel Brownlow
remarked that he would be d d if he would ever sur
render. " What," said McCook, "will you do ? How can you
help it?r' "Why," said Brownlow, "I can and will cut my
way out. I would about as soon be killed in the attempt as
to be sent to Andersonville or Libby. They treat South
erners worse in those prisons than they do you Northern
men, and I am going to cut my way out if my men will
follow me."
When Colonel Brownlow returned to his regiment and
told the men what he proposed to do, they raised a shout and
said, "You are right, Colonel ; by G — d, we will follow you !"
Then Brownlow went in one direction and McCook another
both reaching Marietta about the same time. Brownlow
was ordered to lead the brigade in this forlorn hope. The
route selected was through a large open field, but upon ex
amination an impassable ditch was found, but, afer some
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 183
little delay Brownlow's eagle eye caught sight of a small
bridge, across which he led his regiment. Croxton rode out
with Colonel Brownlow, and after crossing the ravine or
dered Brownlow to form his regiment on the crest of a ridge,
facing the enemy.
Croxton ordered up the remainder of his brigade and
sent McCook word that he was out and that the road was
clear. McCook at once ordered Croxton to move south in
the direction of LaGrange, but in a short time became sep
arated from his brigade. Colonel Brownlow, supposing that
he was captured, assumed command and moved in the direc
tion of the Chattahoochee River. The command was badly
scattered, and it seemed like the old-time adage was about to
be fulfilled — "Boys, take care of yourselves, and the devil
take the hindmost man."
McCook came through with detachments of the Second
and Third brigades, while a portion of the Second remained
with Bro\vnlow. It was about 5 p. m., July 30, when the
command left the field near Newnan, and now began a race
for life. The men and horses were utterly exhausted and
worn out. The men had been constantly in the saddle day
and night ever since the 27th of June, with almost constant
fighting and no sleep except the "forty winks" snatched
while on the march. But the men were nerved up to the
supreme effort by the surrounding circumstances.
The Chattahoochee River, with its steep, rugged banks
and swift-flowing current, with no means of crossing, was
in our front and must be crossed before morning. All pris
oners and led horses were dropped before starting, and with
a hostile army in our rear we made very good time during
the night. Colonel Brownlow kept his weary column moving
as rapidly as the circumstances would permit, and at I a. m.
on the 3 ist reached the Chattahoochee River at Rotherwood.
At this place Brownlow found two small canoes, and
immediately commenced crossing his troops, which was
necessarily a slow one on account of the limited means at
hand. Colonel Brownlow displayed great energy and cour-
184 HISTORY OF I-IRST REGIMENT
age on this occasion and set a noble example to his men by
swimming the river time and again, helping his men to cross.
Scores of the men, becoming impatient at the slow process,
plunged their horses into the river and succeeded in gaining
the opposite shore, while others would "grab" a horse's tail
and make the poor animal perform double duty.
When from two to three hundred had succceeded in
crossing, the enemy made an attack from both sides of the
river and captured scores of men, who, from exhaustion and
want of sleep, had laid down while the men in front were
crossing, thinking they were in no danger. It was about
seventy-five miles from this place to Marietta, and as the
greater part of the men had lost their horses at the river, the
journey had to be made on foot. The route was through a
hostile country, and as the news had gone forth that the
country was alive with "Yankees" every old Georgia farmer
who had a gun was on the lookout for our men.
The Confederate cavalry was divided up into small
squads and kept the country through which we traveled
thoroughly guarded, making escape exceedingly doubtful.
Some of the boys were captured almost in sight of the Union
pickets. Others were pursued through thickets and swamps,
but at last reached the Union line at Marietta. Among the
first to arrive was Colonel Brownlow and a small detachment
of men from different regiments.
On the 2nd day of August, the boys began to come into
camp, some barefooted, others without hats, but each one
with a story that would fill a volume. The regiment was
greatly reduced before starting on the raid, and the writer
is sorry that he is unable to give the strength at that time.
The First Tennessee sustained the following loss on the
raid, which is very light considering the amount of service
rendered :
Killed — Company C, First Lieutenant John Roberts.
Wounded and Captured — Company K, Bugler James
Ray; Company M, Private B. F. Hously.
Captured — Adjutant John M. Harris and Hospital
MAP SHOWING ROUTE TAKEN BY McCOOK'S DIVISION,
Iii the rear of Atlanta, July, 1864.
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 185
Steward S. H. Hendrix ; Company A, Captain Moses Wiley,
Privates Colby Payne and William Ward ; Company D, Pri
vates D. C. C. Brown and John Earls ; Company I, Privates
William Gharst, Hugh Davis, W. F. Williams and Jeremiah
Rogers ; Company C, Corporal John A. Potter ; Company K,
Lieutenant A. M. Smith and Private John Dunn; Company
L, Private Jacob Collier ; Company M, Farier S. R. Taylor,
Privates S. J. Felknor and Jacob McNeese; Company B,
Calvin Wolf.
The officers were first taken to Macon and after a short
stay at that place were sent to Charleston and from there to
Columbia. The enlisted men were sent to Andersonville,
where, after several months of suffering, some were ex
changed, while others answered to the last roll-call on earth
and passed over the river and joined the vast army beyond.
''Rest on, embalmed and sainted dead !
Dear as the blood ye gave;
No impious footsteps here shall tread
The herbage of your grave !
Nor shall your glory be forgot
While Fame her record keeps,
Or Honor points the hallowed spot
Where valor proudly sleeps."
After a hasty review of the raid, no just criticism can be
made of its management, for it was planned by an able gen
eral and promptly and faithfully executed by a skilful and
brave general, backed and supported by gallant officers and
men. It is exceedingly doubtful, however, if McCook
had not waited so long at Love joy's Station to hear from
Stoneman, that any misfortune would have overtaken his
command. The valuable time lost was wisely improved
by the enemy, who was rapidly concentrating his forces at
Loveioy, with Wheeler between our command and that of
Stoneman. When McCook left Lovejoy for Newnan, a
large force was in his rear, as well as on his flanks, so by
the time his division reached Newnan it was almost sur
rounded, and nothing saved it from capture but stubborn
fighting.
186 HISTORY OF FIRST
McCook, in his official report of the raid, says : "I re
gard the raid as a brilliant success, and had the forces of
General Stoneman been able to unite with mine near Mc-
Donough, as I understood was contemplated by the general
commanding the military division, I think we might have
successively carried our arms wherever we desired, and
accomplished more magnificent results than any raid in the
history of the war. My whole loss, killed, wounded and
missing, will not exceed five hundred. It is not improper
here to refer to the fact that the rebel papers acknowledge
a loss of from eight to nine hundred, and severely censure
their generals for not having, with their vastly superior
force, entirely destroyed our whole command. In con
cluding my report, I desire to make special mention of Col
onel Brownlow, First Tennessee, and other officers of my
command." * * *
By the loth the most of the scattered troops had eluded
their pursuers and made their way to our camp at Marietta.
Stoneman's command did not fare so well. It seems
that he moved direct to Macon for the purpose of releasing
the Union prisoners confined there, but was unsuccessful.
He went close enough to shell the town, but the place was
too strongly fortified, and he withdrew a short distance,
where he and several hundred of his men were captured.
The remainder of his troops cut their way out and returned.
Stoneman's troops, however, did considerable damage to the
road.
After the famous McCook raid in the rear of Atlanta,
the First Tennessee lay quietly in camp at Marietta, enjoy
ing for a short time the first rest since the opening of the
campaign. This \vas a very long and active campaign, last
ing for one hundred days. During a portion of the time
there was almost a continuous downpour of rain, making the
roads almost impassable, consequently all the movements of
the army were slow and difficult.
Magnificent forts and long lines of rifle-pits had been
built by Johnson's army across our line of march to check
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 187
the invading army. These works had cost weeks of hard
labor, but were all wrested from the prudent and sagacious
Confederate commander, General Joseph E. Johnson. These
were the fruits of months of hard, patient service and were
obtained at a cost to us of hundreds of brave men. When
Sherman found the works too formidable to be taken by as
sault, he resorted to his well-known "flanking business,"
which usually produced the desired result.
The following report will give the reader an idea of the
cost of war and what we were doing all this time. General
J. M. Brannan, chief of artillery, Army of the Cumberland,
reported the following expenditure of ammunition from
May 3 to September 3 : Eighty-six thousand, six hundred
and eleven rounds of artillery ammunition, and eleven mil
lion, eight hundred and fifteen thousand, two hundred and
ninety-nine rounds of small-arms ammunition, used by the
Army of the Cumberland alone.
The official report of General W. L. Elliott, commander-
in-chief of the cavalry, Army of the Cumberland, during
the Atlanta campaign for the same period, shows a loss in
McCook's division of eleven hundred and forty-eight officers
and enlisted men, killed, wounded and missing.
188 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
CHAPTER XIV.
ORDERED TO NASHVILLE — WHEELER^S RAID— SHARP FIGHTING
— COLONEL BROWNLOW WOUNDED — WHEELER DRIVEN
ACROSS THE TENNESSEE — FORREST RETURNS BUT MEETS
THE SAME FATE — THE DARING RAIDER FORCED TO FIGHT —
FIGHTING BUSHWHACKERS — LIFE ALONG THE TENNES
SEE.
In the recent raid south of Atlanta, the men composing
McCook's division lost a great many of their horses, and as it
was important that this splendid division should be fitted up
and take the field with as little delay as possible, Croxton
was ordered to turn over the horses belonging to his brigade
for the purpose of furnishing re-mounts for the remainder
of the division. This being done, he was ordered to take his
brigade to Nashville for the purpose of being re-equipped
and remounted.
The First Tennessee moved by rail from Marietta to
Nashville by way of Chattanooga. The Western & Atlantic
Railroad, the one over which the regiment was being trans
ported, runs through a country unsurpassed for scenery.
Earthworks and new-made graves were also visible along
this historic road. Nothing of special interest occurred on
the way to Nashville.
The regiment reached its destination without accident,
and was immediately moved to Camp Smith, about three
miles east of Nashville, on the Cumberland River. The First
Tennessee pitched its tents at the east end of the camp. From
this point we had a splendid view of the Cumberland River.
This camp was in a beautiful grove of oak and poplar trees,
whose wide-spreading branches made inviting places for the
boys to pass away their idle moments as well as protect them
from the hot rays of the sun.
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 189
During the long summer campaign, the uniforms of the
officers and men, that were once bright and new, were now
faded and covered with dust. The faces of the men were
bronzed by the blazing sun, and as the regiment marched
through the streets of Nashville the appearance of the men
indicated that they had been at the front.
The Christian Commission, through its agents, visited
our camp and furnished the men with many things that the
government did not provide for its defenders. This grand
organization did a great deal of good by furnishing the
soldiers with many little useful articles, such as paper and
envelopes, needles, buttons and thread. In addition to these
articles, they furnished the soldiers with Bibles, Testaments
and hymn-books.
The duty imposed upon the regiment was very light, in
fact, it was a "picnic" to us, and we began to put on style and
''play soldier" again.
Eighteen long months had passed by since the regiment
had left Nashville and gone to the front, and during that
time we were scarcely ever out of sight of the enemy's camp.
With our bountiful supply of "greenbacks" we were able to
purchase a great many things that our generous government
did not furnish us with, such as watermelons, peaches, grapes
and apples.
While we were enjoying this delightful season of rest
and "high living," General Joe Wheeler, our old antagonist,
was on his way out from a raid through East Tennessee, and
headed for Nashville. This raid furnished the opportunity
for further display of gallantry on the part of Colonel
Brownlow and his "fighting regiment."
Croxton's brigade drew horses, and everything about
our camp was put in order to meet this unexpected move
ment of Wheeler. Orders were issued to the First Tennes
see to be ready to move at a moment's notice, and to an "old
soldier" that kind of an order usually meant business.
Wheeler was moving toward Nashville with a large force of
cavalry, and General L. H. Rousseau, who was in command
190 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
of the District of Middle Tennessee, with headquarters at
Nashville, ordered Croxton to move his brigade from Camp
Smith to Lavergne, a station on the Nashville & Chatta
nooga Railroad, and fifteen miles southeast of Nashville.
General Croxton moved his brigade at 6 p. m., August
31, closely followed by Rousseau, with a force of infantry.
It was a beautiful night, and as we marched along the turn
pike leading to Murfreesboro, myriads of twinkling stars
peeped out from a cloudless sky, furnishing sufficient light
for the marching columns.
The First Tennessee under Colonel Brownlow led the
column, and after moving a short distance from camp, Com
pany C was ordered to the front for an advance guard. This
was not the first time the First Tennessee had ever marched
along the turnpikes of Middle Tennessee at night, neither
was it a new experience to lead a marching army.
As we were marching along we could see a very bright
light in our front, and supposed that Wheeler was burning
the depot at Lavergne. When we were within a few miles of
Lavergne, Company A was sent forward to reinforce the
advance guard. No singing or loud talking was allowed
that night.
Toward midnight, our advance struck Wheeler's pickets
about two miles from Lavergne, and after a lively skirmish
his pickets were driven in.
Rousseau halted his command for the night, deeming it
unwise to move any farther, as he knew nothing of the
strength and location of the enemy. Colonel Brownlow was
ordered to dismount his regiment, send his horses to the
rear and build a rail barricade across the turnpike and hold
his position until morning. In this midnight skirmish, Pri
vates W. A. Cannon and Zack Peay, of Company C, were
wounded, and three horses shot.
The regiments built a temporary line of works and
remained in line of battle during the night, and early the next
morning, September I, Colonel Brownlow was ordered to
take the advance again. He led forward his regiment toward
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 191
Lavergne and in a short time engaged that portion of the
enemy which he had fought during the night. The most of
Wheeler's troops were in our front, and he was making a
desperate attempt to hold us in check until his men could de
stroy the road.
The First Tennessee continued to drive back Wheeler's
troops toward Lavergne, and when near that place, Colonel
Brownlow charged his advance and drove it back rapidly
upon his main line, which was partly concealed by a heavy
cedar grove, and after a hand-to-hand fight, in which the
saber was freely used, the regiment was driven back by over
whelming numbers until the remainder of the brigade was
met. Two companies of the Eighth Iowa and Company C,
First Tennessee, were detached and sent on the gallop to the
railroad to drive away a force that was tearing up the track.
This little detachment drove in their pickets, charged
upon and routed the troops that were engaged in the de
struction of the track. The enemy had fired a small bridge,
but with a few canteens of water the fire was extinguished
and the bridge saved. We killed one man, captured five
and returned without loss to our ranks.
Not until the most of Wheeler's forces were massed
and hurled upon the regiment did it yield an inch, and then
the enemy were not allowed to press it with impunity.
Wheeler, finding himself hard pressed, left the Nashville &
Chattanooga Road late in the afternoon, without doing much
damage. He turned almost due west and struck the Nash
ville & Decatur Road, at Franklin. In this short but spirited
engagement, the First Tennessee sustained the following
loss :
Killed — Company D, Sergeant Geo. W. Witt; Com
pany I, Private Samuel Broyles ; Company B, Sergeant John
Hopson, Corporal Thos. L. Seal and Private Thomas Cook.
Missing in Action — Company B, Claiborne Gibbs.
Wounded — Company I, Private Elbert Smith; Com
pany E, Private Newton F. Smelser, severely ; Company K,
Private E. S. Smith; Company L, Privates Henry C. Fisher
192 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
and John Martin; Company B, Lieutenant Daniel S. Fox,
Privates James G. Trent and Roily Maze. Corporal Robert
Marsh was seriously hurt by his horse falling while making*
the charge.
John Hopson was color sergeant of Company B, and
was killed while carrying the guidon of his company.
Rousseau pursued the retreating enemy rapidly from
Lavergne, marching almost the entire night, reaching Frank
lin about daylight on the morning of the 2nd. At this place
we were joined by the Second Michigan, of our brigade.
This regiment had been doing guard duty for some time
along the Nashville & Decatur Railroad.
Wheeler had swung around Franklin and was approach
ing from the south just as Croxton's brigade was entering
from the east. The two columns met on a high range of
hills about one mile south of town on the turnpike leading
from Franklin to Columbia. Our battery took up a position
on the turnpike and opened a brisk fire on the enemy, who
were just a short distance in our front. Wheeler, seeing that
we had won in the race for position, now made an attempt to
turn our right flank and capture the battery that was dealing
out shells, grape and canister in such great profusion.
Colonel Brownlow was ordered to move his regiment at
once and occupy the hill to the right of our battery and to
hold it at all hazards. The regiment was moved to the foot
of the hill on the gallop. Here Colonel Brownlow dis
mounted his regiment and, forming it in line of battle, moved
rapidly up the steep and rocky hill. The day was exceed
ingly hot, so by the time the summit was reached we were
almost exhausted. Wheeler moved his troops forward with
equal promptness, so the contending forces met at the crest
almost at the same moment.
The firing was severe and began at close range, and in a
few minutes the hill was completely enveloped in smoke.
Almost at the first fire, Colonel Brownlow, while gallantly
leading his men into the very ranks • of the enemy, fell
severely wounded, and was borne from the field amid
J
SOUNDING- THE CHARGE
A CAVALRY CAMP
TENNESSEE: VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 193
a perfect tempest of bullets. A musket-ball passed through
both of his legs, producing a very painful wound — a wound
that almost proved fatal. He was immediately carried to
the rear, where his wounds were dressed, but almost bled
to death before the surgeons reached him. About the
same time, Lieutenant I. B. Self, C. S., received a wound
in the head, at first supposed to be mortal, but by good
nursing he survived his wound and is now a prominent
Cumberland Presbyterian minister.
After the fall of Colonel Brownlow, Lieutenant-Colonel
C. M. Dyer assumed command of the regiment, and filled the
position to which he was so suddenly and unexpectedly
called with that cool and conspicuous bravery that had char
acterized him on all occasions. He was a brave, true Chris-
tion soldier, and the noble example he set before the brave
men he was called at that trying moment to command, was
worthy of emulation.
The enemy made several attempts to drive the First
Tennessee from its position, but the orders were, "Hold
the hill, and don't give it up until ordered to do so." We
fought from behind logs, trees, rocks or anything else that
would afford us protection from the pelting storm of lead.
The First Tennessee was not ashamed or the least bit back
ward on an occasion like this to seek the friendly protection
of a stump, or a tree, in order that a valuable life might be
saved. The regiment maintained its position until the left
had been repulsed and driven back almost in its rear, when
Croxton ordered Lieutenant-Colonel Dyer to fall back.
The regiment fell back in splendid order, and it is a
fact worthy of remark that the enemy in its front were so
severely punished that they did not pursue as it withdrew.
Croxton moved his brigade back a short distance and took
up a new position, which he held until the arrival of Rous
seau and his infantry. Wheeler remained in our front until
late in the afternoon, when he withdrew and -moved south.
The First Tennessee sustained the following loss :
Killed and Mortally Wounded — Company A, James
194 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
Martin, mortally wounded, died Nov. 5 ; Company D, Cor
poral Robert B. Cook.
Wounded — Colonel James P. Brownlow, severely ; Com
pany D, Lieutenant I. B. Self, C. S., and John W. Legg,
severely; Company E, William Fletcher; Company M, C.
M. Fellers.
In this engagement the First Tennessee was confronted
by the Fourth Tennessee, Eighth and Eleventh Texas Cav
alry, of Kelley's division. Among those who fell on the Con
federate side and in front of the First Tennessee, was Brig
adier-General J. H. Kelley, one of Wheeler's brave and
trusted division commanders.
While we were engaged at Franklin, Atlanta, one of the
most important cities of the Confederacy, fell into our hands,
together with its extensive mills and foundries. The First
Tennessee had contributed three months of hard and dis
tinguished service toward its capture, but was ordered away
before it fell.
There was considerable sharp skirmishing during the
afternoon, in fact, it continued until darkness enveloped both
armies and shut out from view the contending forces. Rous
seau's troops camped on the field during the night, and early
the next morning he pushed his column toward Columbia, in
search of Wheeler, who had retreated south^ during the night,
under cover of darkness.
General Rousseau, not being detained by engagements
or burnt bridges during the day, marched his army in the
vicinity of Columbia and bivouacked for the night. At this
place. Wheeler scattered his troops for the purpose of mis
leading the pursuing column, consequently the greater part
of the 4th was spent in trying to ascertain the route his
main force had taken. Late in the afternoon, Croxton was
ordered to advance with his brigade toward Pulaski, halting
for the night about six miles from Columbia.
The pursuit was resumed early on the morning of the
5th, and when near a small hamlet called Campbellsville,
Croxton overtook a portion of Wheeler's force, and a livelv
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 195
engagement ensued. Wheeler had taken up a strong position
in an extensive beech forest, which afforded great protection
to his men. The artillery was run up and opened a brisk fire
on the enemy. At the same time, Croxton moved his bri
gade forward in line of battle and soon the whole line was
warmly engaged.
Rousseau's troops were too far in the rear to be of any
benefit to Croxton, consequently his small brigade was alone,
contending against the most of Wheeler's troops. Finding
it impossible to dislodge Wheeler from the position he had
taken, Croxton ordered the First Tennessee, under Lieu-
teriant-Colonel Dyer, to charge him with the saber. In the
execution of this order the First Tennessee was compelled to
charge across an open field under a brisk fire.
But the regiment never failed to execute an order, and
on this occasion, with its accustomed gallantry, charged
upon the enemy with the saber, cutting and slashing right
and left, breaking his line and driving him from the woods.
The remainder of Croxton's brigade advanced, and soon
Wheeler's troops were routed and sent flying southward.
The casualties in the First Tennessee were as follows :
Killed and Mortally Wounded — Company F, John H.
Shaver ; Company C, Sergeant J. L. Geasland, mortally
wounded, died in hospital at Nashville, Sept. 30; Company
K, Harrison Key ; Company L, John W. Pettitt and W. H.
Osmit.
Wounded — Company A, James Harris; Company F,
Geo. W. Black, Peter Henry and Nathaniel Spencer; Com
pany I, A. J. Kelly, severely wounded and captured; Com
pany C, James R. Chambless ; Company M, Harvey Bales.
In this charge, Sergeant J. B. Clapp, of Company C,
had the misfortune of having his horse shot from under him.
He was carrying the regimental flag, and in falling his right
leg was caught under his horse. The plucky sergeant man
aged to extricate himself with the loss of one boot and a
few bruises, but saved the colors.
This was the last stand made by Wheeler. Finding him-
196 HISTORY 0$ FIRST REGIMENT
self closely pursued, he withdrew and moved rapidly through
Pulaski, and after an exciting chase he succeeded in cross
ing the Tennessee River near Rodgersville, Alabama. The
loss inflicted to our railroads was very light, and so closely
was Wheeler pursued that not a single place of any im
portance was captured, and on the whole his raid was not
a very great success.
After Wheeler had been driven across Tennessee River,
General Croxton's brigade was ordered to Franklin, where
a camp was laid out. This camp was southeast of town,
near Harpeth River, and in a beautiful grove of oaks and
elms. This was one of the prettiest camps that the regiment
had ever laid out. The tents were put up in parallel rows,
with wide streets between each company. Pretty arbors
were put up in front to break the force of the sun.
We were not permitted to enjoy this beautiful camp
very long. It is said that Hood was very much disappointed
at the light damage inflicted upon the railroads by Wheeler,
and determined to send another raiding party to more fully
destroy the roads that were supplying Sherman's army. For
rest at once set about organizing a force of at least ten
thousand men for this purpose. He crossed the Tennessee
River at Waterloo, Alabama, September 20, and moved upon
the Nashville & Decatur Road, striking it first at Athens.
Here, after considerable skirmishing and maneuvering,
Forrest succeeded in capturing the place, with the garrison,
a portion of it being a small detachment of the Third Ten
nessee Cavalry. The bold raider pushed north and on the
25th captured the garrison and burned the long trestle at
Sulphur Branch. At this place, the remainder of the Third
Tennessee Cavalry was surrounded and captured, after a
brave defense of this important place. Forrest, elated with
his success thus far, now moved on toward Pulaski, destroy
ing some small bridges and several miles of track.
All this time Rousseau was collecting and concentrat
ing his scattered forces at Pulaski to head off Forrest and
stop his march north. General Croxton's brigade was
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 197
pushed forward from Franklin and by the time Forrest
reached Pulaski he found Rousseau there with a force,
awaiting his coming, so he turned to the right to avoid an
engagement, but was met on the east side of town and com
pelled to fight.
There was some sharp fighting during the 27th around
Pulaski, and at night Forrest drew off. The loss in the regi
ment was :
Killed — Company L, C. G. Montgomery.
Wounded — Company L, Eli Cleveland.
Forrest was very much astonished and perplexed to find
such a large force in his front, for it was his intention to
strike the Nashville & Chattanooga Railroad with his whole
force; but, having learned that a much heavier force was
in his front than he wished to meet, changed his direction
and divided his forces. A portion of Forrest's command
succeeded in reaching the Nashville & Chattanooga Road
near Tullahoma, where the track for a short distance was
destroyed and the wires cut.
General Forrest, with the remainder of his command,
moved to our rear in the direction of Columbia, but we were
pushing him so close that he made no attack. He still moved
north and at Spring Hill he destroyed the track by turning
it down an embankment. Forrest was unable to move any
further north, as there were four columns closing in upon
him.
The daring raider now turned southwest and passed
through Lawrenceburg. On the 6th day of October, we
overtook his rear guard at Cypress Creek, Alabama, and
after a brisk skirmish he fled and made his escape by cross
ing the Tennessee River at Bainbridge. This was the second
time inside of a month that we had assisted in driving the
enemy out of our State and across the beautiful Tennessee.
In this skirmish, L. C. H. Long, Company A, was wounded
and captured.
The chief object of these raids was for the purpose of
destroying the railroads and burning bridges, but the damage
198 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
was so slight that it only took a short time to place the road
again in running order. So, after long and weary marches
and hard fighting, the State was once more rid of the
raiders, and all efforts to baffle Sherman in his preparations
for his grand march to the sea were at an end.
On the loth, the regiment and brigade took up the line
of march for Pulaski, by way of Florence and Lexington.
We remained only a few days, however, at Pulaski. From
this place, Croxton moved his brigade to the Tennessee
River, and during the remainder of the month it was en
gaged in guarding the ferries from Muscle Shoals to Flor
ence. In addition to this duty, we maintained a courier line
between our camp and Pulaski.
The First Tennessee camped for a short time at Center
Star and Blue Water Creek. The citizens in this part of
Alabama were very hostile toward the Union soldiers, and
large numbers armed themselves and turned out to be regu
lar "bushwhackers." They would hide in some secluded
spot and when the couriers came riding by these midnight
murderers would fire upon them.
During the remainder of October the regiment lost in
killed and wounded as follows :
Killed— Company L, W. G. B. Williams.
Wounded — Company A, Nathaniel Robinson; Com
pany K, Cornelius Smith; Company L, Charles V. Orton,
severely.
Shortly after the fall of Atlanta, Jefferson Davis, the
Southern president, left Richmond and came south to confer
\vith his generals in regard to the next campaign, and also
to arouse his soldiers to greater activity, and, if possible,
remove that despondent feeling that Hood's army had fallen
into since the removal of Johnson. At this meeting, Hood
outlined his proposed plan, which was to throw his whole
force upon Sherman's long line of communication and de
stroy it, thereby forcing him to abandon his "march to the
sea," and again transfer the seat of war to Tennessee.
The plan was approved, and as Hood seemed to be full
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 199
of pluck and enterprise, all eyes were centered upon him.
He at once set about ptrtting his army "in trim" for — as it
proved to be — his last campaign. It was some little time
after Hood beg'an his march north before Sherman was able
to determine at what point he would strike his line first.
When General Sherman became thoroughly convinced
that Hood was going toward Tennessee, he sent General
George H. Thomas, that grand old hero, the "Rock of
Chickamauga," who never lost a battle, back to Nashville
to organize a force sufficiently large to crush Hood at the
proper time. Two divisions of the Sixteenth Corps, under
General A. J. Smith, then in Missouri ; the Fourth Corps,
under General D. S. Stanley ; the Twenty-third Corps, under
General J. M. Schofield, and the two remaining brigades of
McCook's division of cavalry of Sherman's army, were
sent to Thomas.
While Hood was busy getting ready for his northern
campaign, Sherman was also making preparations for his
grand march from Atlanta to the sea, and when he became
fully satisfied that Hood was on his way into Tennessee, he
cut the wires, burned the bridges in his rear, and on the
1 5th day of November he left Atlanta, and of him President
Lincoln said : "We know where he went in, but no one can
tell where he will come out."
Hood began his march the first of October. He entered
the campaign full of hope, and with his large army he ex
pected to move in the rear of Sherman's army and destroy
his long line of communication, and as far as possible feed
his army on captured supplies. Hood also entertained the
hope that this move north would arouse the "old-time" war
spirit in Tennessee and Kentucky, and that thousands would
flock to his standard, and with this additional force he could
sweep north to the Ohio River, if he desired to do so.
Sherman followed Hood as far north as Dalton, but did
not propose to give up his hold on Georgia or be led off upon
a "wild goose chase" if he could prevent it. Toward the
last of October, Hood moved his army westward to Summer-
200 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
ville and Decatur. At the latter place he expected to cross
the Tennessee River, but finding the place too strongly
fortified, he now turned west and moved along the south side
of the river to Tuscumbia, Ala.
Croxton's small brigade was the only troops on this
wing of the Union army, and at this time the total effective
strength was about one thousand men, well officered, well
equipped, and good "fighters." This veteran brigade was
entrusted with the arduous duty of guarding the ferries and
crossings for twelve or fifteen miles along the Tennessee
River; and many weary days and nights were spent by the
men of the First Tennessee in watching the movements of
Hood's troops on the opposite shore, as they went "nosing"
about, trying to find a good and suitable place to cross.
By great activity and watchfulness on the part of this
brigade, every movement of the enemy and every indication
of his intention were promptly reported to General Thomas,
the nearest telegraph station being at Pulaski. The mosqui
toes gave us almost as much trouble as Hood's men. They
were very friendly and excellent foragers, but invariably
wanted their "meals" free, and if they ever caught a fellow
napping they went for him with all their might.
The muscadine, a fruit resembling the grape, was found
in great abundance along the Tennessee River, and the First
Tennessee enjoyed many great feasts from this delicious
fruit, which grew spontaneously in the rich bottoms border
ing on the river. Though we were in the State of Alabama,
yet we were guarding the crossings of our own beautiful
Tennessee, whose waters were gathered from the hills and
valleys of our own East Tennessee. Near Bridgeport, the
Tennessee River leaves the State and, turning almost due
south, enters Alabama and runs "away down" into the State,
then, turning northwest, again re-enters Tennessee a short
distance below Waterloo, Alabama.
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 201
CHAPTER XV.
HOOD CROSSES THE TENNESSEE — RACE WITH SCHOFIELD —
HATCH FLOGS FORREST AT CAMPBELLSVILLE — WILSON AT
DUCK RIVER — NIGHT MARCH TO FRANKLIN — PREPARA
TIONS FOR BATTLE.
On the 2Qth of October, the advance of Hood's army
drove back Croxton's cavalry at Florence, Alabama, and in
the afternoon of the same day attempted to lay their pon
toon bridge, but as the fire of the Union cavalry was so hot,
the further attempt was delayed until darkness set in. Dur
ing the night the bridge was completed and on the morning
of the 3Oth, Johnson's division of Lee's corps crossed over
and threw up a line of works.
Croxton, finding that the whole of Hood's army was in
his front at Florence, fell back behind Shoal Creek, picketing
heavily on the road leading to Florence. Early on the morn
ing of November 5, the First Tennessee, under Lieutenant-
Colonel Dyer, was sent out to reconnoiter the enemy's posi
tion on the road leading to Florence, and when about three
miles from camp, the advance guard of the regiment was met
and driven back by a column of rebel infantry. We learned
afterwards that this was Johnson's division of Lee's corps.
Lieutenant-Colonel Dyer retired slowly, disputing every foot
of ground, and on reaching Shoal Creek the regiment moved
to the north side and was formed in line of battle to the left
of the road.
General Croxton heard the sharp firing of the First
Tennessee, and on reaching Shoal Creek we found the bri
gade and two 1 2-pound Howitzers in line of battle along
the north bank of the creek. The name of the battery I can
not now recall, but think it was a United States batterv.
202 HISTORY OF 1'IRST REGIMENT
About 9:30 a. m., the enemy appeared on the opposite
side of the creek, when our guns opened a rapid fire on
them. The Confederates responded with six guns, and soon
the air was full of flying missiles. The enemy's skirmishers
repeatedly advanced to the bank of the creek, but our fire
was so rapid and destructive that they were unable to cross,
and were compelled to fall back and seek shelter in the
woods. Hood's men, already feeling good over their success
in crossing the Tennessee without serious opposition, now
moved up in force, and attempted to cross, but our fire was
so hot they fell back. But the artillery on both sides kept up
the fire.
Hood's men were so severely punished during the fore
noon that they made no further attempt to force a crossing
in our front. The artillery on both sides kept up a rapid
and vigorous fire from commanding positions, while shot and
shell went flying thick and fast across the stream, the Union
guns maintaining the unequal contest with great courage.
Johnson, believing that there was a large force in his
front, and being unable to effect a crossing on the main road,
sent two brigades to a ford on our left, near the mouth of
Shoal Creek, where they crossed. This move forced Crox-
ton to abandon his position and fall back. The enemy had
almost gained our rear before he was discovered, conse
quently it was a hair-breadth escape all around.
When Croxton found that his left flank was turned, he
ordered his brigade to fall back to the road. The First Ten
nessee was on the left of the brigade and in line along the
north bank of the creek, with a thick growth of scrubby
timber in its rear. The Fourth Kentucky was to our right,
and was fighting dismounted. The Second Michigan and
Eighth Iowa were still further to our right. When we began
to fall back, the enemy immediately plunged into the stream
and followed close upon our heels.
On reaching the road, Croxton was compelled to halt
the First Tennessee and Fourth Kentucky for the purpose
of checking the enemy long enough to let the other two regi-
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 203
ments and battery get to the road. The enemy soon emerged
from the woods we had just left and moved on the quick
step toward our thin line of battle. As they approached,
the First Tennessee and Fourth Kentucky gave them a vol
ley, which for the moment staggered their line, and during
this temporary check Croxton ordered his brigade to retire.
Just as we reached the road our battery went dashing
by, under "whip and spur," the enemy not being over fifty
yards away, but could do but little with empty muskets in
their hands.
Croxton fell back a short distance and took up a new
position near Sugar Creek. In this engagement the First
Tennessee sustained a very small loss, a loss that the writer
is unable to account for, as the regiment was in the engage
ment from beginning to end. It was one of the many lucky
escapes for the regiment. Company B lost one man, Ser
geant Robert A. Trent. He was reported as "missing in
action," and supposed to have been killed. Robert Adair,
Company C, was severely wounded. This brave and gallant
soldier received his fourth wound in this engagement, besides
being hit with a spent ball on the retreat from Cumberland
Gap, in 1862. Just as the order was given to fall back, he
was struck in the left breast with a musket ball, which passed
through his body, producing, as we thought, a mortal wound.
Almost at the same moment his horse was killed, and both
went down together. The Confederates were advancing,
and were not fifty yards away, when Sergeant James B.
Clapp and the writer dismounted, picked up their wounded
comrade, who seemed more dead than alive, and placed him
on the horse behind his brother. We then hurriedly mounted
our horses and all escaped without further injury, amid a
shower of lead. But, strange to say, this iron soldier sur
vived his wound and is at this date an honored citizen of
Knox county, but much shattered in health.
During the night the enemy recrossed the stream, and
Croxton's pickets re-occupied the line at Shoal Creek.
During our stay at this place the Presidential election
204 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
of 1864 took place amid these stirring events, and the boys
in blue were given an opportunity of expressing their choice
between the opposing candidates. The Republicans had re-
nominated Abraham Lincoln for President and Andrew
Johnson, of Tennessee, for Vice-President, while the Demo
crats selected as their candidate for President, General Geo.
B. McClellan, and for Vice-President, Geo. H. Pendleton.
After the votes had been counted and the result announced,
there was great rejoicing in camp over the result, as Abra
ham Lincoln had received almost the unanimous vote of
Croxton's brigade.
Hood was compelled to wait until sufficient supplies
could be collected to warrant the opening of an active cam
paign. This delay was of the greatest importance to Thomas,
as it gave him more time to collect his scattered forces, with
which he was expected to drive Hood from Tennessee.
Hood's field returns, dated November 16, 1864, show an
aggregate force present of forty-four thousand, eight hun
dred and thirty-two. These returns do not include Forrest's
cavalry, at least nine thousand strong, which at that time
was absent on a raid along the Tennessee River, but rejoined
Hood before he started on his campaign.
Hood entered Tennessee with three corps of infantry
and one of cavalry, commanded respectively by Cheatham,
Stewart, Lee and Forrest, and it is safe to say that his army
numbered at least fifty thousand men, while Thomas did not
have exceeding twenty-seven thousand men, of all arms,
confronting Hood, until Nashville was reached.
General Edward Hatch, with the Fifth Division of Cav
alry, was sent to Sugar Creek to reinforce Croxton's brigade,
and, being the ranking officer present, assumed command of
all the cavalry at that place.
There was sharp picket fighting in our front. Our
scouts having learned that Hood's entire army was now on
the north side, all the roads leading toward the enemy's camp
were blockaded with fallen timber, so as to delay him as
much as possible. Rafts were sent down the river to break
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 205
his bridges, but we never knew whether they were broken
or not.
On the i Qth, Hatch moved the most of his division out
toward Shoal Creek, where he met Forrest, with a large
force, moving along the west side. Coon's brigade, of
Hatch's division,; crossed and attacked Forrest, but was
forced to re-cross the stream after some sharp righting. This
move developed the fact that Hood's entire army was moving
north.
Hood believed that the most of Sherman's army was
with him in Georgia, and all that he would have to contend
with would be hundred-day men, convalescent troops and
government employes. The great race began on the 2Oth,
and after the little "set-to" at Franklin, Hood became con
vinced that he must have been mistaken and that if hundred-
day men and convalescent troops could do such fighting, it
would be impossible to whip Thomas's veterans.
On the 2Oth, Hatch concentrated his troops at Lexing
ton, and the next day moved to Lawrenceburg, Croxton's
brigade acting as rear guard. Early on the morning of the
23rd, the enemy drove in our pickets, but we held the town
during the day, repulsing all charges made by his dis
mounted cavalry. Late in the afternoon they brought up
their artillery and shelled us vigorously. General Thomas
sent Schofield to Pulaski, with orders to take command of
all the troops that were confronting Hood. The nearest in
fantry force to us was at Pulaski, but as Hood was pur
suing us on a road almost parallel to the one from Pulaski
to Columbia, the place was evacuated and the troops ordered
to Columbia.
Hood, knowing the country well, did not confine his
marching columns to one road. Lawrenceburg is sixteen
miles west of Pulaski and thirty-three from Columbia, and
as the greater part of Hood's army seemed to be advancing
on the same road over which Hatch was moving, it was
important that his army be delayed as much as possible, to
allow Schofield's troops and wagon-train to reach Columbia
first.
206 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
The weather, which up to this time had been warm and
pleasant, now changed, and rain, sleet and snow fell, making
our marches and bivouacs unpleasant. Hood was a "hard
pusher" as well as a "bold fighter," and hoped by a rapid
march to get in Schofield's rear before his troops could
reach Duck River, and this was only prevented by a hard
night's march. If Hood had won in the race for Columbia,
the Union army would have been entirely at his mercy, and
the capture of Nashville assured. Hatch withdrew his
troops from Lawrenceburg and moved back toward Colum
bia, with Croxton's brigade covering his rear.
During the day there were several brisk encounters as
the enemy kept pressing our rear guard, but at no time were
they able to "produce a panic." Thus the day wore away —
fighting and falling back. There is one thing that can be
truthfully said about Hood. He was the only Confederate
general who could make his infantry keep up with his cav
alry on the march. We almost invariably found Forrest
well supported by infantry.
On the 25th, as Hatch was approaching Campbellsville,
Forrest forced a battle on him, and for his "impudence" he
was thoroughly and soundly whipped, and without further
molestation Hatch moved his troops to Columbia, where our
little army once more faced about to confront the foe. Col
umbia is a beautiful place, surrounded by rich and fertile
fields and situated upon the south bank of Duck River, which
at this place flows almost west, with numerous fords above
and below town.
A heavy line of wrorks was thrown up in front of Colum
bia, with a view of checking the enemy and to hold the
place. It was Thomas's intention to meet Hood and offer
battle at this place, but his force was so small that he aban
doned the idea and gave instructions to Schofield to delay
Hood as long as possible without endangering his command.
The cavalry was ordered to the north side of the river
and distributed above and below Columbia for the purpose
of guarding the fords and watching Schofield's flanks. Crox-
TENNESSEE: VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 207
ton's brigade and a portion of Hatch's division held the fords
above Columbia, the latter extending his line as far east as
the crossing of the Lewisburg and Franklin turnpike. When
Hood approached Columbia and found Schofield in posses
sion, he deployed his troops and moved up toward the Union
works, but made no attack.
At this place, Croxton's brigade was assigned tempor
arily to the Sixth Division of Cavalry, commanded by Gen
eral R. W. Johnson, and remained in his division until Nash
ville was reached. In Johnson's report for the month of
November, we find the following: "Brigadier-General
Croxton, with his fine brigade of the First Cavalry Division,
was also placed under my command. Of the operations of
General Croxton's brigade during the short time he was
under my command, I shall not attempt particularly to
speak, though I desire to observe that upon all occasions
both General Croxton and the officers and soldiers of his
command conducted themselves in a manner becoming the
high reputation which both he and they deservedly enjoy."
On the 26th, there was heavy artillery firing and some
very sharp skirmishing in front of Columbia, but no general
attack was made. In the meantime, Schofield sent part of
his troops to the north side, with orders to entrench, but as
this side of the river is much lower, this position was com
pletely commanded by the hills on the south bank. The 2/th
was comparatively quiet at Columbia, and that quietness
there meant great activity on some other part of our line.
While we were holding the fords and crossings along
Duck River, east of Columbia, General James H. Wilson, our
new chief of cavalry, reached us. He was relieved from
the command of the Third Division, Cavalry Corps, Army
of the Potomac, for the purpose of taking command of Gen
eral Sherman's cavalry. The cavalry was too much scat
tered and entirely too busy to receive him in the manner that
his rank demanded, but he set a noble example to his troops
by remaining at the front and sharing the hardships and
dangers with his men.
208 HISTORY OF £lRST REGIMENT
All the afternoon of the 27th we could see troops
marching east along the opposite side of the river. This
information was immediately sent to Schofield at Columbia.
Hood left two divisions of Lee's corps and all of his artil
lery in front of Columbia, and with the remainder of his
army moved to his right, with a view of turning Schofield's
position.
On the morning of the 28th, Forrest made several
attempts to cross at different fords between Columbia and
the Lewisburg turnpike, but was unsuccessful. Later in the
day he massed his troops at Huey's Mill, about seven miles
east of Columbia, drove back the pickets and began crossing.
General Wilson at once notified Schofield of the enemy's
movement, and suggested the immediate evacuation of
Columbia, as he believed that Hood, once across, could beat
him to Franklin — and subsequent events proved that Scho
field had delayed the withdrawal of his troops one day too
long. Croxton's brigade was some distance below where
Forrest crossed, and as it was in great danger of being out
flanked and captured, Wilson ordered Croxton to fall back.
Hood laid his pontoons at Davis' Ford, five miles east
of Columbia, late in the afternoon of the 28th, and early
the next morning his army began crossing. Wilson fell
back to Rally Hill, where he held the enemy in check during
the evening, but was unable to concentrate his scattered
troops until Hurt's Cross Roads was reached. From Rally
Hill, a turnpike runs northwest to Spring Hill, and along
this road Hood led his army in person the next day. With
Schofield's small force at Columbia, it looked like he might
as* well try to dam up Duck River with a fish net as to check
Hood's army. The road over which his army was to retreat
was badly blockaded with wagons, but a greater obstacle
than this was in his way just then. The most of Hood's
army was across Duck River as soon as Schofield was, and
stood ready to march toward Spring Hill on a shorter route.
With all these obstacles in the way, it will be seen that
Schofield's situation at Columbia was extremely perilous,
/ J'i' I \V- r
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 209
and he was led to believe himself that he had delayed the
evacuation of Columbia at least one day too long. All com
munication between Schofiekl and Wilson was cut off.
Croxton's brigade reached the Lewisburg turnpike at Rally
Hill about dark, and was immediately formed in line of
battle across the road to check the enemy until all the scat
tered troops could close up. Wilson held his position at
Rally Hill, on the Lewisburg turnpike, until after dark on
the 28th, and then fell back and bivouacked near Hurt's
Cross Roads.
During the night, Buford joined Forrest, and early the
next morning he moved against Wilson with all of his cav
alry. But Wilson made a brave and determined resistance,
putting Croxton's brigade in the rear, with orders to contest
every foot of ground. Wilson began to fall back along the
Lewisburg turnpike, and just after passing Hurt's Cross
Roads, Forrest made a fierce attack on our rear guard.
Croxton dismounted the First Tennessee and Second Michi
gan, and ordered them to build a line of barricades across
the turnpike, but before the last rail and log were laid on,
Forrest drove in the skirmishers and charged upon our
works. As his men approached our line, the two regiments
opened such a rapid fire upon his troops that they broke and
fled to the rear, leaving several dead and wounded in our
front. We mounted and fell back, still pursued by Forrest,
but after this he was very shy of barricades. The only cas
ualties in the First Tennessee were : Private Harvey San-
didge, of Company L, wounded, and B. Taylor, of Company
G, missing — supposed to be killed.
As Wilson approached Mount Carmel, his leading bri
gade — Coon's — was attacked in front by a portion of For
rest's cavalry, who had gained his front by hard marching,
but was repulsed and driven off with severe loss. About 10
a. m., Croxton's brigade reached Mount Carmel and passed
inside our lines. At this place the turnpike leading from
Spring Hill to Murfreesboro crosses the Lewisburg turn
pike. Croxton's veteran brigade had gallantly covered the
210 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
retreat to this place, and during that time there was hard
and almost continued skirmishing, as the enemy kept press
ing forward with great energy, and made several attempts
to push around and strike our column in flank.
Forrest left the most of his troops at Mount Carmel,
to hold Wilson, and with the remainder moved to the left
toward Spring Hill, ten miles west on the Franklin and
Columbia turnpike, where he attempted the destruction of
our large wagon-train. Hood was moving rapidly along the
Rally Hill turnpike, toward Spring Hill, with Cleburne's
division of Cheatham's corps in advance. Wilson's cavalry
had been driven back to Mount Carmel. Schofield was still
at Columbia, but when he learned that Hood, with the most
of his army, was moving toward his rear, he at once ordered
Stanley, with the Fourth Corps, to Spring Hill.
All the wagons had been sent back to Spring Hill, and
Stanley arrived there just in time to save them, as Forrest
had moved with the remainder of his cavalry and driven
in a small force of cavalry that was holding Spring Hill.
Cheatham heard Stanley's cannon and hurried forward Cle
burne's division, followed by the remainder of his corps.
Cleburne dashed upon Stanley's men like a mad man, but
was repulsed with severe loss. There was desperate fighting
all the afternoon, but Stanley held the place and saved our
wagons.
Toward night the fighting ceased, and Hood's army lay
in line of battle near the turnpike. The day closed with the
Union army badly scattered. Part of the Twenty-third
Corps was still at Columbia, with a portion of the Fourth
Corps in supporting distance ; the remainder of the two corps
was at Spring Hill with Stanley ; the cavalry under Wilson
was on Stanley's left, near Mount Carmel. All of Hood's
army was with him at Spring Hill except his artillery and
the two divisions of Lee's corps, which were still at Colum
bia. Hood was no doubt puzzled and hardly knew what
to make of the heavy firing he heard at Columbia.
General Cox, with his division, left Columbia at dark
and by hard marching reached Spring Hill near midnight.
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 211
As Cox's weary troops were marching along near Spring
Hill, the camp-fires of Hood's army were dimly burning
only a short distance away. As the Union troops were
marching by, Hood was notified of the fact, and he sent one
division to check the movement, but as the night was dark
and the commander not being familiar with the ground over
which he was to move, the enterprise failed.
There was some light skirmishing during the night,
but by daylight Schofield's army had passed the "danger
line" and was now in front instead of the rear. It was evi
dent that someone had blundered, and the responsibility must
be shifted upon some subordinate. General Pat Cleburne,
one of Hood's bravest and most trusted division com
manders, was severely criticised, and even Cheatham, one
of hi-s corps commanders, did not escape censure. Cleburne,
smarting under the reprimand of his commander, rushed into
the battle the next day and laid down his life upon the bloody
field of Franklin. Hood was present upon the field during
the fighting around Spring Hill, and could see that all of his
orders were properly and faithfully executed and that per
haps no one erred but himself.
The heavy wagon-train was pushed out of Spring Hill
during the night, followed by Schofield's troops, the last
leaving at daylight on the 3Oth. Wilson's cavalry still held
the Lewisburg turnpike, and during the night reached
Franklin. The only works at Franklin at this time was Fort
Grainger, a small fort built a year before, on a high elevation
on the north bank of Harpeth River, for the purpose of
protecting the railroad bridge and track, which runs almost
parallel with the river some distance south. The guns of
this fort completely commanded the town and the entire
battlefield, and during the engagement on the afternoon of
the 3Oth enfiladed Stewart's line and did fearful execution
to his troops as they moved forward to the assault.
It was about noon when the advance of Hood's army
approached Franklin. Hood halted his weary troops some
little distance out for a short rest and to allow his columns
to close up. All morning there was great activity among
212 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
those who were in charge of our large wagon-train. There
were two bridges over which they were crossing, and the
shouts of the teamsters, the rattle and rumbling of the
wagons, could be heard some distance, and occasionally some
thoughtless fellow would get excited and let out a big word
that was in direct violation of the Third Commandment.
As the troops came up they were assigned positions in
the line, Wilson's cavalry was placed on the left of the
Union line, with Croxton's brigade on the right. The
Lewisburg turnpike, as it approaches Franklin, runs par
allel with the Franklin and Columbia turnpike until it
reaches the Harpeth River, then it turns almost due west
and runs almost parallel with the river to where it crosses
the Nashville & Decatur Railroad. The ground south of
Franklin, between the Lewisburg turnpike and the railroad,
was at the time of the battle covered with timber, which
furnished some protection for Stewart's infantry and For
rest's cavalry. Hood evidently intended to move a portion
of his army along this route for the purpose of turning
Schofield's left, but in this attempt he "struck a snag."
Stewart's corps and Forrest's cavalry, when formed for the
attack, held this part of Hood's line, and in the grand move
met with stubborn resistance from the two advance regi
ments of Croxton's brigade.
Schofield, with his advance, reached Franklin about
daylight, and by noon his entire command had reached the
town. Schofield selected a position on a slight elevation a
short distance in front of Franklin, and early in the morn
ing picks and shovels were distributed and his weary troops
began throwing up a single line of works, which com
pletely encircled the town in front, with each end extending
to the river. The Harpeth River at this place makes a big
bend northward, while the Union line curved outward, and
in this bend the little town of Franklin, which was about
to become historic, and its people to witness one of the
most desperate struggles of the war, is located. Franklin
is on the south side of the river, and was entirely within the
Union lines.
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 213
CHAPTER XVI.
BATTLE .OF FRANKLIN — HOOD ASSAULTS THE UNION LINES-
REPULSED -WITH GREAT SLAUGHTER — HIS LOSS IN OF
FICERS UNEQUALED IN THE WAR — DESPERATE FIGHTING
— GENERAL STANLEY WOUNDED — SCHOFIELD WITHDRAWS
IN THE NIGHT — HE REACHES NASHVILLE.
The building of earthworks was no new experience for
Schofield's veterans, and when the picks and shovels were
passed along the line the dirt "fairly flew," and soon a long-
line of rifle-pits was thrown up, and then the exhausted
troops lay down and "snatched" a few hours of sleep.
Where the line of works crossed the Franklin and Columbia
turnpike the full width of the roadway was left open to
allow the wagons and artillery to pass through in double
lines, while a few rods in the rear a re-trenched line was
built across the turnpike to command the opening and its
approach. An old cotton-gin .near the line of works was
torn down and the timber used for head-logs.
This hastily constructed line of works was held by the
following troops from right to left : Kimball's division,
Fourth Corps ; Rugers' and Reilly's division, Twenty-third
Corps. Opdycke's brigade of Elliott's division, Fourth
Corps, having covered the retreat from Spring Hill the
previous night, was halted just in the rear of the Union
works on the Franklin and Columbia turnpike. This splen
did brigade was composed of seven regiments, and was
ordered to fight where its gallant commander thought it was
needed the worst. Subsequent events proved that this bri
gade was halted at the right place, and its heroic fighting no
doubt saved the day. Five batteries of artillery were also
placed in the line. Wood's division, Fourth Corps, crossed
214 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
to the north side, and continued the line on Reilly's left, and
to act as a reserve to either flank. Then came Wilson's cav
alry, with Croxton's brigade of McCook's division next to
Wood. Hatch's and Johnson's divisions were still on the
left of Croxton.
But let us now follow the First Tennessee on the morn
ing of the 3Oth. As stated in the preceding chapter, Crox
ton's brigade was ordered to the south side early in the
morning, with orders to take an advanced position near
Douglass Church, on the Lewisburg turnpike. The First
Tennessee and Second Michigan were thrown well out to
the front to watch the movements of the enemy. During the
morning everything was quiet save an occasional shot on the
skirmish line. Toward noon, the advance of Forrest's cav
alry moved up and made an attack on Croxton's two ad
vanced regiments.
The position of the two regiments was well chosen,
there being a small stream in front which the enemy must
cross before reaching us, and on their first advance they
met with so hot a fire that they were forced to fall back.
They were quickly re-formed, and advanced again, but not
a man crossed that stream. Once more Forrest re-formed
his broken lines, and, with a loud "rebel yell," rode straight
for our line, but the fire from the revolving rifles of the
Second Michigan and the breech-loading carbines of the
First Tennessee was so hot that Forrest made no further
attempt to force us back, and all became quiet again. For
rest was severely punished, and his loss must have been
heavy, for at each volley we could see men and horses go
down — some never to rise again.
At i p. m., Croxton ordered his two advanced regi
ments to fall back to the line selected by him. This line was
in the woods, and extended across the Lewisburg turnpike,
with the left resting on Harpeth River.
Major D. W. Sanders, Adjutant-General of French's
division, Stewart's corps, in an article on the battle of
Franklin, says : " Stewart's corps marched on a dirt road
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 215
east of the Columbia pike to De Graffenreid's, on the Lewis-
burg pike, and completely turned the flank of the enemy's
force, which were seen in line from the Winstead Hills. As
a consequence, the enemy withdrew his troops from that
position. * * * Stewart formed his line of battle one
and a quarter miles southeast of Franklin, with Buford's and
Jackson's divisions of cavalry on his right, extending east
from the Lewisburg pike, with Looring, Walthlall and
French's division on the left, and moved from DeGraffen-
reid's to the woodland south of McGavock's residence.
When Stewart's line was formed, Buford and Jackson drove
Wilson's cavalry beyond McGavock's and east from the
Lewisburg pike across the Harpeth River."
At 2 p. m., Croxton's brigade was attacked by both
infantry and cavalry, and after a brave resistance was forced
to retire to the north side of the river. Croxton had scarcely
reached the north bank when the pickets higher up the river
reported that the enemy's cavalry was crossing at different
places. Forrest, with the divisions of Buford and Jackson,
had made one of his bold moves in order that he might gain
our rear and destroy the large train, which was already in
motion for Nashville. Wilson immediately hurled Crox
ton's brigade and Hatch's division upon him, realizing the
great importance of keeping him on the south side, and after
some severe fighting he was driven across the river with
heavy loss.
This was a bold and daring move, and if he had suc
ceeded in gaining Schofield's rear, it would have caused the
withdrawal of a portion of Schofield's troops to meet this
movement of Forrest. But Wilson was equal to the emer
gency and, realizing the importance of holding this part of
the Union line, threw his whole force along the north bank,
and during the remainder of the day kept Forrest on the
south side of Harpeth River. During the afternoon there
was some sharp fighting along our front, but at no time was
Forrest able to effect a crossing. Wilson felt confident that
he could now hold his position if Schofield could only take
care of himself against the combined attack of Hood's troops.
216 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
While we were busy on this wing of our army, Hood
was forming his troops in line of battle for the desperate
struggle that was about to take place. The battle was fought
in full view of each other, and at the same time each com
mander, from his position, could witness the battle and the
movements of his men. Eighteen veteran brigades of in
fantry, with cavalry on the flanks, under Cheatham and
Stewart, were formed in line and stood ready to move when
the order came.
It was a beautiful autumn afternoon, not a cloud ob
scured the sun, which shone in full, rich splendor upon the
plain with its gentle slopes, over which they must pass to
engage in the deadly fray, in the desperate effort to carry a
single line of works, by a most reckless and daring assault.
Possibly no battlefield of the war was so free from obstruc
tions as the field of Franklin. It is almost level, and on
that afternoon presented the most imposing martial display
of the war.
Behind the works lay Schofield's veterans, who had
"been pounding away all the summer on the same men who
now confronted them, but differently situated. By a blun
der of someone, two brigades of Wagner's division — Lane
and Conrad — of the Fourth Corps, were halted in an ex
posed position a short distance in front of the Union line,
astride the Franklin and Columbia turnpike. So when
Hood's "troops rushed forward on their wild charge, these
exposed troops delivered a volley and then made for the
works to avoid capture by Hood's men, who were close upon
their heels.
It was about 4 p. m. when Hood ordered his troops to
the assault. They advanced with a quick step, with trailed
arms, the bright barrels flashing in the sunlight, with
Cheatham on the left and Stewart on the right, their right
and left flanks composing the center. As Cheatham ap
proached Wagner's line, his men opened fire, which checked
him for a few minutes only. As these two brigades cam?
swarming over the works, word was quickly passed along
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TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 217
the line for the Union troops to withhold their fire until
they could pass the works.
Already the black-throated monsters from Fort Grain
ger, on the north bank of the river, were raking Stewart's
line with an enfilading fire, cutting down his troops like
grain before the reaper. As the fleeing troops came swarm
ing over the works at the center, the men in the trenches
became confused, and were carried away by the excitement
and confusion for at least three hundred yards. This was
the key to the position, and Hood had gained it without
serious fighting, and now held the main approach to the
bridge, over which the Union troops must retreat if de
feated.
This breach was on both sides of the turnpike, and
through it Hood's troops rushed, capturing two batteries,
and with this advantage and his superior force, it promised
an easy victory and inspired his troops to greater activity.
The remainder of the Union line was held firmly, and the
reserves, under General Opdycke, and all the routed troops,
were thrown into the breach at once, and then there began
one of the most desperate struggles of the war. Here the
fighting was hand to hand, and of the most desperate char
acter. The fighting at this point was for the possession of
the works, and it was maintained with great fury and stub
bornness, in which men fought with clubbed muskets, and,
with bayonets baptized in blood, they drove Hood's veterans
from the works and saved the day.
The Union troops, in this short but desperate struggle,
recaptured all the guns and soon changed the direction of
their death-dealing missiles. They also captured ten battle-
flags and several hundred prisoners, showing that Hood
must have thrown a large force into this gap. General Pat
Cleburne, one of the most desperate fighters in Hood's
army, fell a few rods in front of the works, near the center.
During the fearful struggle at the center, Hood was as
saulting our line from end to end, and the terrible discharges
cf the artillery and the rapidity and destructiveness of the
218 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
musketry fire was hardly equaled in the history of modern
warfare. The firing was so rapid that the smoke almost
obscured the field and shut out from view the assaulting
columns as they rushed madly into the very "jaws of
death."
The battle raged with unabated fury from 4 to about 8
p. m., and during the desperate charges the flags of the
enemy could be seen near the works by the bright flashes of
the artillery and small arms. The shouts of the charging
columns, mingled with the groans of the wounded and dying,
will never be forgotten by those who stood shoulder to shoul
der in the deadly struggle on that beautiful November after
noon in 1864. Hood's troops assaulted the Union lines with
a recklessness never displayed before, and the great loss of
officers and men attest the great gallantry and sacrifice on
the bloody field of Franklin, and after all was lost they
sullenly retired.
From Schofield's headquarters he could witness the
fighting of his entire command, and at one time, when it
seemed that Wilson's cavalry was about to be routed and
his left turned, he sent part of Wood's division to his sup
port, but before reaching him, Forrest was driven back, and
he was unable to get in his rear or turn his flank.
Schofield makes the following mention of this engage
ment in his report: "A short time before the infantry at
tack commenced, the enemy's cavalry forced a crossing about
three miles above Franklin, and drove back our cavalry, for
a time seriously threatening our trains, which were accu
mulating on the north bank and moving toward Nashville.
I sent General Wilson orders, which he had, however, an
ticipated, to drive the enemy back at all hazards, and moved
a brigade of General Wood's division to support him if
necessary. At the moment of the first decisive repulse of
the enemy's infantry, I received the most gratifying intelli
gence that General Wilson had driven the rebel cavalry back
across the river. This rendered my immediate left and rear
secure for the time being."
TENNESSEE; VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 219
Firing was kept up all along the line until about 10
p. m., when all became quiet, except an occasional shot from
the skirmish line. Schofield could not be driven, and Hood
would not sound the retreat, and even after darkness had
settled over the field, he ordered Johnson's division of Lee's
corps from his reserves to assault the works held by Ruger's
and Kimball's division. This division made a determined
effort to carry the works, but failed. Walthall's division of
Stewart's corps was confronted bv Casement's brigade,
which was armed with repeating rifles, and here the carnage
was fearful.
Hood's loss was frightful, and the next morning the
battlefield presented a horrible picture. Officers and men
lay in heaps in front of the works, cold in death, while
wounded men, horses and broken guns attested the work of
destruction by the unerring aim of the western men. Hood's
loss in officers was exceedingly heavy, and from the best
figures obtainable his loss was as follows : Major-General
P. R. Cleburne, Brigadier-Generals O. F. Strahl, John
Adams, S. R. Gist and H. B. Granberry. In addition to the
five generals killed, who commanded divisions and brigades,
he lost six colonels, two lieutenant-colonels, three majors
and two captains, who commanded regiments. Line officers
and enlisted men killed, seventeen hundred and fifty. Of
ficers wounded, one major-general, five brigadier-generals,
fifteen colonels, nine lieutenant-colonels, five majors and two
captains. Missing, two colonels, three majors and four cap
tains. Captured, one brigadier-general. Enlisted men
wounded, thirty-eight hundred ; missing, seven hundred and
two; making an agregate loss in Hood's army of six thou
sand, two hundred and fifty two. Thirty-three stands of
colors were also captured.
The loss in Schofield's army was as follows : Killed,
one hundred and eighty-nine; wounded, one thousand and
thirty-three; missing, eleven hundred and four; making an
a£gregate l°ss of two thousand, three hundred and twenty-
six. The most of the missing were from the two exposed
220 HLSTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
brigades of Wagner's division, Fourth Corps. Among the
wounded on the Union side was Major-General D. S. Stan
ley, commanding the Fourth Corps. He was helping to rally
the men near where the breach was made, and during the
fierce fighting at this point he received a severe wound in the
neck. General Stanley was Rosecrans' chief of cavalry in
1863, and as such led us through the Tullahoma campaign
and on to Chickamauga, but before the battle he was forced
to relinquish the command of account of sickness.
The battle of Franklin, for the numbers engaged, was
the grandest and hardest fought battle of the Civil War.
The cannon of Fort Grainger continued to bellow out in
tones not to be misunderstood, and as the shells went whist
ling into the darkness beyond the Harpeth, they provoked
no reply from the enemy.
The casualties in the First Tennessee were as follows :
Killed and Mortally Wounded — Company E, Corporal
Joseph A. Beal, mortally wounded and left on the field, date
of death unknown ; Company K, John T. Baxter ; Company
L, Jacob Bacon.
Wounded — Company A, Charles Dooley and Calloway
Collins, severely wounded and left on the field ; Company D,
John W. Legg ; Company L, Corporal W. H. H. Bacon.
Alexander H. Stephens, in his history of the United
States, makes the following mention of the battle of Frank
lin: "In this battle Hood gained a signal victory, though
at considerable loss."
When the last of Schofield's troops had been withdrawn
from the south side, the bridges were fired by Wood's di
vision, Fourth Corps, and as the flames arose from the burn
ing bridges the enemy opened a heavy fire from his artillery.
From our position east of town we could see the light of
the burning bridges and hear the roar of the cannon, as the
sound floated out on the cold, frosty morning air.
The First Tennessee moved from its position, with the
remainder of Wilson's cavalry, at 4:30 a. m., December i,
and covered the retreat of Schofield to Nashville. Forrest
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 221
followed and skirmished with the rear guard to Brentwood,
Near this place, Stewart's brigade of Hatch's division had a
sharp engagement with Buford's division. From Brent-
wood, Johnson's division and Croxton's brigade were moved
east to the Nolensville turnpike, and then, turning north,
moved on toward Nashville. Late in the afternoon we
were halted two miles from Nashville and ordered to build
a temporary line of works across the turnpike.
After completing the works, our horses were sent to the
rear and a fresh supply of ammunition issued to the men.
During the night the enemy moved up near our position, but
made no attack, though there was considerable picket firing
during the night in our front. Early the next morning we
moved into Nashville, and were placed in rifle-pits on the
left of Thomas's line, between the Murfreesboro turnpike
and Cumberland River.
On the 3rd, Wilson's cavalry was relieved by Steed-
man's troops and ordered to the north side of the river, to
continue the line, on the left and to watch Thomas's long
line of communication with Louisville. All the crossings for
some distance above and below Nashville were kept guarded
by the cavalry. Croxton's brigade went into camp nearly
opposite the works on the south side, and remained in that
position until the nth. During this time there was great
activity going on in Wilson's camps, as every effort was
being made to put this arm of the service in an efficient con
dition for the next move.
All broken-down horses were turned in, and the govern
ment corrals and the adjacent country searched for horses.
By these means, Wilson almost doubled the strength of his
cavalry. Horses were newrly shod and extra shoes fitted
ready for an emergency. Clothing was issued to the men
and the old ones and their inhabitants consigned to the
flames. Thomas intended to move out and attack Hood as
soon as his cavalry could be mounted and his troops con
centrated. When Schofield's troops reached Nashville they
were placed in the lines that were already built in the follow-
222 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
ing order: Twenty-third Corps on the left and adjoining
Steedman, the Fourth Corps in the center, and the Sixteenth
Corps, from the Army of the Tennessee, on the right. This
splendid corps of hardy Western men under General A. J.
Smith was by Sherman's orders sent to Thomas from Mis
souri and reached Nashville on the 1st day of December.
Notwithstanding Hood's great defeat at Franklin on
the 3Oth he moved his army on toward Nashville, and on
the 3rd day of December drove in Thomas's outposts and
placed his army in position in front of the city. The line
selected by him was on the high ground on the southeast
side of Brown's Creek, extending westwardly from the
Nashville & Chattanooga Railroad across the Nolensville,
Franklin and Granny White turnpikes, crossing the spurs
of Montgomery Hill ; thence deflecting southwest along the
high groud east from the Hillsboro turnpike, and thence
westwardly across this turnpike to a high hill immediately
west of the Hillsboro turnpike to Sugar Tree Creek.
In addition to this line, he built numerous detached
works still southwest, extending across Richland Creek and
the Nashville & Northwestern Railroad and west of the
Harding turnpike. These were the works first struck by
Wilson's cavalry on the morning of the I5th, as will be stated
further on. This line was well chosen and was a position of
great strength. Into this line of works Hood placed his
troops in the following order: Cheatham on the right,
Lee in the center and Stewart on the left, with Forrest's cav
alry on his flanks. From the most reliable figures obtainable
it is safe to say that Hood had at least forty-two thousand
men in the trenches at Nashville.
On the 5th, Hood detached Bate's division of Cheat-
ham's corps and part of Forrest's cavalry and sent them to
destroy the railroad and to capture Murfreesboro. Three
block-houses were captured and the bridges burned, but no
serious harm was inflicted upon the track. On the 6th, Bate
was reinforced by two additional brigades of infantry and
the next morning approached Murfreesboro. Rousseau was
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 223
holding the place with eight thousand men and as Bate de
clined to make a direct attack, Milroy was ordered to move
out and engage him. After some sharp righting, Bate was
routed and driven from the field with considerable loss.
Bate's troops were recalled, but Forrest continued to oper
ate between Nashville and Murfreesboro.
Governor Harris and R. L. Caruthers accompanied
Hood's army on this "wild campaign," expecting that Nash
ville would be captured and Caruthers, wrho, it is said, had
been elected Governor to succeed Harris, would be inducted
into office, amid the boom of cannon. This distinguished
citizen was doomed to disappointment, as a loyal son of Ten
nessee was occupying that honorable position, and no doubt
it was a sad disappointment to be "so near and yet so far"
from this coveted prize and position of honor.
General Thomas had hoped to be ready to attack Hood
sooner than he did, but was delayed in procuring horses for
his artillery and remounts for his cavalry. Grant was dissat
isfied at what seemed to him a useless delay, and urged him
to attack at once, but "Old Pap," as the boys called him,
knew more about the situation than he did. The weather,
which previous to the arrival of the troops had been good,
became, shortly after reaching Nashville, exceedingly cold
for that latitude. About the 8th, a driving storm of rain and
sleet set in. This continued for about twenty-four hours,
freezing as it fell, making it utterly impossible for the cav
alry to move and exceedingly difficult for the infantry to
move about in the performance of camp duty, so slippery was
the surface. It was a war with the elements, as well as the
enemy, and it is very doubtful if Thomas could have won a
victory under the circumstances. But our grand "old hero,"
who had never lost a battle, had the entire confidence of his
troops, and his true character seemed to shine brighter on
this occasion than ever before. He won the first Union vic
tory in the West, at Mill Springs. At Murfreesboro, on that
terrible December day when all seemed lost, he set a noble
example, and was designated "the lion-hearted hero, calm
224 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
amid the fury of battle." At bloody Chickamauga, when
the Union army was being swept from the field, he turned at
bay and was ever afterwards called "The Rock of Chicka
mauga." Later on, to the same commander, while at Chatta
nooga, he said, "We will hold the town till we starve."
General Thomas was a Southern man, but the govern
ment did not have a more loyal or faithful soldier in its
ranks than this grand old hero. To show that he was faith
ful and true to the Union and its flag, and free from all petty
desires, he yielded a ready acquiescence in the selection of
General Sherman to command the Military Division of the
Mississippi, his junior in years, experience and commission,
and at no time his superior as a commander. He executed
all the orders of his superior faithfully and co-operated with
him in all plans and movements of his army. He was no
army pet, consequently was never on favored duty of any
kind, and possibly no commander ever had so few leaves of
absence. The fame of General Thomas is so well known
that comment is unnecessary. He was always at the front.
Sherman having severed his connection with the forces
in Tennessee, Thomas received all of his orders direct from
Grant. Thomas was in command of all the troops operating
in the Departments of the Cumberland and Ohio, and to him
was committed the task of driving Hood's army from Ten
nessee. The same army that had confronted Sherman in
Georgia was now before Thomas at Nashville. The audacity
and boldness of Hood's movement was calculated to depress
the spirits of his men, for if defeated, there was no army
close enough to come to their rescue. Beside all of this,
Thomas's army was badly scattered, and when once collected
the officers and men were strangers to each other, save the
uniform and the old flag. In Hood's ranks were thousands
of Tennesseans who were glad to press their native soil once
more, and when he marched south, hundreds continued to
press the soil of their native State while his broken and
shattered army moved south.
GKNERAL GKO. H. THOMAS
TENNESSEE: VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 225
CHAPTER XVII.
BATTLE OF NASHVILLE — A GREAT UNION VICTORY — THE GREAT
CAVALRY BATTLE OF THE WEST — WILSON'S CAVALRY
. CAPTURING FORTS — HOOD'S ARMY WRECKED THE DEFEAT
AND ROUT — CAPTURING PRISONERS AND GUNS — THE PUR
SUIT.
During this extreme cold weather the soldiers of both
armies were trying to keep warm around the blazing camp-
fires, while the men on the picket-lines stood shivering like a
fellow with the ague. On the I2th there were some signs
of a "thaw-out," consequently General Thomas ordered Wil
son to move his cavalry from Edgefield to the south side of
the river and take up a position on the right of his line. The
earth was still covered with ice and it was with the greatest
difficulty that Wilson was able to reach the position assigned
him. This move of Wilson thoroughly convinced General
Thomas that he could not use his cavalry so long as the ice
remained upon the ground; besides, the horses could not
draw the artillery and wagons over the slippery surface. This
caused another delay, and as we were unable to put up our
tents on account of the frozen condition of the ground we
passed several very uncomfortable nights on the cold, icy
ground, with the sky for a roof and old Mother Earth for
abed.
The position of Hood's army around Nashville re
mained the same, and with the exception of occasional picket-
firing nothing of special importance occurred from the ist
to the I4th. The weather, which had entirely stopped all
offensive operations, began to moderate, and by the I4th the
ground had thawed out sufficiently to enable men and horses
to stand up. General Thomas, believing that there would
226 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
be a general "thaw-out," called a meeting of his corps com
manders on the afternoon of the I4th and laid before them
his plan of attack, and after a thorough discussion until all
fully understood it, special field order No. 342 was issued.
This order contained his plan of battle.
The formation of the Union troops from left to right
was as follows: General Steedman, commanding the Dis
trict of the Etowah, formed the left ; General Wood's Fourth
and General Schofield's Twenty-third Corps, the center;
General Smith's Sixteenth Corps and Wilson's cavalry, the
right. Brigadier-General Miller, commanding the garrison
of Nashville, and General Donaldson, with the quarter
master's troops, occupied the interior line.
General Wilson formed his cavalry in the following
order : Hatch's Fifth Division on the right of the Sixteenth
Corps ; Croxton's brigade of McCook's First Division to the
right of Hatch. The other two brigades — Second and Third
— and Eighteenth Indiana Battery, were in Kentucky after
General Lyon, who had crossed the Cumberland River near
Clarksville and was trying to reach the Louisville & Nash
ville Railroad at some point north of Nashville. General
Johnson's Sixth Division was on Croxton's right — the right
of his division extending to the Cumberland River. General
Knipe's Seventh Division was formed on the Harding turn
pike, inside of the works, and during the early part of the
morning was held in reserve, to support either Hatch or
Smith.
Hood had placed a battery on the extreme left of his
line, near Cumberland River. This battery was protected by
light earthworks and supported by cavalry, and as Johnson
advanced on the morning of the I5th it shelled him vigor
ously, but the fun was soon spoiled when Lieutenant-Com
mander LeRoy Fitch, who commanded the gunboats, began
enfilading this part of Hood's line. The tremendous dis
charges of his heavy guns could be heard above the rattling
fire of the carbines and the light 3-inch Rodmans of Wilson's
cavalry, and no doubt contributed largely to the demoraliza-
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 227
tion of this part of Hood's line, which was held by Chal-
mer's division, supported by infantry.
The effective force of General Wilson's corps on the
morning of the 1 5th was twelve thousand, five hundred
men and eighteen guns. It was a fine body of men, but very
deficient in horses, many being wholly unfit for active ser
vice. Reveille was sounded at 4 a. m. on that chilly morn
ing, and by 6 o'clock the men were in line ready to move.
A heavy fog hung over the two armies during the morning.
This and the unevenness of the ground completely con
cealed the movements of the Union army. The fog lifted
about 9 o'clock, revealing to Hood and his shivering soldiers
a grand and magnificent military display, as the solid lines
of blue moved forward in splendid order, with colors flying
and bands playing. The house-tops in Nashville and the hills
were covered with people, all eager to witness the display
and battle, while from Montgomery and Overton hills
Hood's troops could witness all of our movements ; and to
them no doubt it was an unexpected revelation. Hood, it
seems, was totally unaware of any intention on the part of
Thomas to attack his position and especially his left flank,
for on advancing toward his position during the morning
we came upon unfinished works.
Steedman, on the left, was the first to move out and
begin the attack. This heavy demonstration on Hood's right
was not intended as a real attack, though it had that effect,
and he was led to believe that this part of his line was to be
attacked in force. As soon as Steedman had completed his
movement, General Smith, commanding the Sixteenth Corps,
moved out. Then the long, dark lines of Wilson's cavalry
began moving forward on the extreme right and commenced
the grand movement of the day.
Croxton's brigade had been standing in line of battle
during the morning just outside of the entrenchments near
the Nashville & Northwestern Railroad and on the right of
Hatch's division. It was about. 10 a. m. when the order came
to move. Croxton threw out a strong line of skirmishers
228 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
and moved his brigade out between the Charlotte turnpike
and the Nashville & Northwestern Railroad. The skir
mishers moved forward, closely followed by the brigade,
and soon the sharp firing in front warned us that the enemy's
advance had been struck. The brigade continued to advance,
and during the forenoon there was some very sharp skir
mishing in Croxton's front.
Just after crossing Richland Creek, the enemy opened
fire on Croxton's brigade from a battery posted on the
Charlotte turnpike. Croxton wheeled the Second Michigan
to the right, and supporting it with the Eighth Iowa, moved
toward the hill on which the enemy were posted, and after
a few volleys from the revolving rifles of the Second Michi
gan, the enemy fell back. This move turned the enemy's
position in front of Johnson's division on the Charlotte turn
pike. Croxton received an order from Wilson directing him
to remain and support Johnson's division, which was on
his right, and who had not yet gotten into position owing
to the roughness of the country and the long distance he had
to move.
During the time Hatch's division, which was just to our
left, was driving the enemy along the Harding turnpike,
and after crossing Richland Creek the Twelfth Tennessee
Cavalry, Colonel Spaulding commanding, made a gallant
saber charge, routing the enemy, capturing forty or fifty
prisoners and General Chalmers' headquarters train, con
sisting of fourteen wagons, which contained his records,
baggage and safe.
In perhaps no battle of the war did cavalry and infantry
move forward on the same line and join in the desperate
work so eagerly and with so much vigor and unanimity.
Often it was a race to see who would be the first to cross
the ''dreaded ditch," and if the ground was too rough to
charge mounted, Wilson's troopers would dismount and with
a yell charge the rifle-pits. This part of Hood's line was
held by infantry and cavalry, and during the day some sharp
fighting occurred on this part of the line. Wilson wheeled
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 229
Hatch's division to the left and re-established his connection
with the infantry. In making this move his right flank
struck the enemy's line on the flank and rear, completely
enveloping it.
Stewart was in command of Hood's left, and during
the morning he found that Thomas was working toward
his left and beyond his works. He therefore set his troops
to work early in the morning building works and extending
his line farther to his left. Finding that his own troops
could not man the lines, he called for reinforcements, and
Hood sent him Johnson's division of Lee's corps. These
works were west of the Hillsboro turnpike, and about I
p. m. Hatch dismounted his men, assaulted and captured
one of these advanced redoubts, containing four guns and
some three hundred men. This was the first fort captured
from Hood, and was accomplished with dismounted cavalry.
Immediately after the capture of this fort, Hatch's division
charged a second line and captured another four-gun battery,
with its infantry support. The captured guns were wheeled
around and used upon the retreating enemy. In the capture
of this last fort, McMillan's brigade of McArthur's division,
Sixteenth Corps, claimed a part of the honor, but as the
guidons of Hatch's division were the first over the works,
the honor and captured guns were credited to Hatch's brave
men by McMillan's brigade.
While these successful movements were going on, Wil
son's cavalry had not yet reached Hood's true flank on ac
count of the extension of Stewart's line to his left. Late in
the afternoon Schofield's Twenty-third Corps was moved to
the right of the Sixteenth Corps, so that Wilson could oper
ate more freely upon Hood's left and rear. Shortly after
reaching this position, Cooper's brigade of Couch's division,
Twenty-third Corps, assaulted and captured a line of works
near the Hillsboro turnpike. In this brigade were the Third
and Sixth Tennessee Volunteers, our former companions
while in Morgan's Seventh Division, Army of the Ohio.
Croxton was ordered to move his brigade from the
230 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
Charlotte turnpike across the country to the Hillsboro turn
pike. In making this move Croxton's brigade skirmished
most all the way, and shortly after crossing the Harding
turnpike Croxton encountered a portion of Chalmers' di
vision, which had been in Johnson's front but was now try
ing to reach Hood's left. The First Tennessee was in the
advance and was marching left in front, and shortly after
dark was fired upon by the enemy, who, by the flash of their
guns, seemed to be either behind a stone wall or in rifle-
pits. General Croxton immediately ordered Lieutenant-Col
onel Dyer to dismount his regiment and dislodge the enemy.
The order was promptly obeyed, and in a few minutes the
regiment was over the fence and in line ready to move. At
the command "forward," the men raised the yell and moved
forward under a brisk fire, and in a few minutes reached
the stone wrall, and springing over succeeded in capturing a
portion of the Fifth Mississippi Cavalry. The prisoners
were sent to the rear, and moving to the opposite side, again
the regiment opened a brisk fire on some troops that were
posted in the woods a short distance in its front. In a short
time the enemy's fire slackened and soon they fell back,
and all became quiet again.
The only casualties in the First Tennessee were two
men wounded, as follows : Thomas Jones, Company G, and
Wiley Milligan, Company I.
Darkness having closed the operations for the day and
shut out from view the contending forces, Croxton's brigade
was ordered to bivouac near the Hillsboro turnpike. This
was a hard day on us, as we had been in the saddle since
early morning.
The operation of Thomas's army on the first day of
battle was a grand success and was rewarded by the capture
of seventeen pieces of artillery and twelve hundred prisoners,
besides large quantities of small arms and equipments. Wil
son's cavalry had fought during the day infantry and cav
alry, had cleared their front, covered the extreme right of
Thomas's infantry, and not only enveloped Hood's flank,
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 231
but had taken it in reverse. Hood's flanks were much
stronger than his center, and during the day Wilson's cav
alry had completely turned his left and swept everything
before them, and at night bivouacked near his line of retreat.
During the night Hood withdrew his army and took up
a new position south of the one he occupied on the morning
of the 1 5th. This new line was much shorter, and extended
from Over-ton's Hill on the Nashville & Decatur Railroad,
west across the Franklin and Granny White turnpikes,
thence almost due south along a range of hills almost paral
lel with the Granny White turnpike, and reaching nearly to
the Brentwood Hills. Hood kept his weary troops working
all night digging rifle-pits and building forts, so by morning
he had constructed a much stronger line than the one just
abandoned.
The Union army bivouacked on the cold ground, feel
ing assured of a complete victory the next day. The early
part of the morning of the i6th was spent in reconnoitering
the enemy's position. The ground on Hood's left was very
hilly, consequently Wilson moved his troops forward dis
mounted and by noon was east of the Granny White turn
pike and had completely turned Hood's left. During these
early movements there was some sharp fighting, but no
ground was lost. Wilson's cavalry forced back the enemy,
completely turning his left flank, and was now in possession
of the hills through which the Granny White turnpike runs,
completely cutting off Hood's line of retreat by this route in
case of disaster. Stewart made several attempts during the
forenoon to drive back Wilson's dismounted cavalry and re
take the ground lost, but was unsuccessful and was repulsed
without difficulty.
Let us now turn to the Union left and see what was go
ing on there. Generals Steedman and Wood had moved for
ward early in the morning and discovered the enemy thor
oughly entrenched on Overton's Hill. At 3 p. m. the works
were assaulted by Post's brigade, Beatty's division of Wood's
Fourth Corps, supported by Streight's brigade, of the same
232 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
corps, and Grosvenor's brigade of white troops, and Thomp
son's brigade of colored troops, all of Steedman's command.
The assault was made with great courage, but the fire was
so destructive that the two assaulting columns were repulsed
with severe loss, Colonel Post being among the severely
wounded.
The two assaulting columns were re-formed at the foot
of the hill for another charge. Smith, Schofield and Wilson
now assaulted Hood's center and left with great vigor,
sweeping everything before them. The shout of the vic
torious troops on the right was caught up by those of Wood
and Steedman, and again they pushed forward upon the
enemy on Overtoil's Hill, this time driving everything be
fore them and capturing the works. The shout of victory
was heard by Thomas's charging troops, which was taken
up and responsive cheers heard from one end of the Union
line to the other. Hood's lines were broken, and there being
no reserves to restore order or save the day, his troops from
one end of his line to the other threw away knapsacks and
guns and rushed for the rear, which at that time was a long
way off.
Hood's troops rushed toward the Franklin turnpike in
great confusion, and soon lost all semblance of organization
and retreated in the wildest confusion. General Wilson's
command was delayed in the pursuit, caused by the troops
being so far from the led horses, as the men leading them
made slow progress over the hills and dense forests. Crox-
ton's brigade, which had been in reserve, was now moved
to the right of Hammond's brigade of Knipe's division, and
in making this move captured several prisoners.
As soon as Wilson's men gained their horses the pur
suit was begun, with the commands of Hatch, Knipe and
Croxton on the Granny White turnpike and Johnson on
the Hillsboro turnpike. Everything indicated a rout, and
after moving a short distance the leading division — Hatch's
— encountered Chalmers' division about dark, well posted
behind a rail barricade across the turnpike. Hatch dis-
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 233
mounted his division and charged the enemy, driving him
from his position. General Rucker was wounded and cap
tured, besides several prisoners and a Confederate flag. In
this engagement the Twelfth Tennessee, Union, fought the
Twelfth Tennessee, Confederate, and in the darkness and
during the hand-to-hand fighting the Twelfth Tennessee,
Union, succeeded in capturing General Rucker, who was in
command of a Tennessee brigade, also his flag.
The line of Hood's retreat revealed the fact that his
army had retreated in great haste, as the turnpikes were
thickly strewn with guns and accoutrements, while he made
no effort to carry off his wounded or bury the dead. Hood's
veteran army, which had been engaged in all the hard-
fought battles in Tennessee and on the Georgia campaign —
"one hundred days under fire" — was wrecked upon the field
of Nashville.
In perhaps no battle of the war was there such a small
loss of life to the victors. The Union troops repeatedly
assaulted the enemy's lines, and but one assault was unsuc
cessful, and that was made upon the strongest position held
by Hood, on Overton's Hill on the Union left. And it is
doubtful if that would have been a failure had not the gal
lant leader of the main column fallen at the critical moment,
when the presence of a brave and determined leader is so
important. The battle moved on vigorously from beginning
to end, the cavalry and infantry vicing with each other in
the effort to carry everything in their front, reflecting the
highest type of generalship and the displaying of that true
courage due Thomas and his brave soldiers.
This was called the great cavalry battle of the west, and
it is exceedingly doubtful if there was a single battle of the
war where so much gallant and meritorious service was ren
dered by that arm of the service. The first fort captured
at the opening of the battle was accomplished by Wilson's
brave troops fighting as flat-footed infantry, and proving
beyond a doubt that if General Hooker had been present at
the battle of Nashville he could have seen the remains of
234 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
several dead cavalrymen. This brave old hero was credited
with the remark, "Who ever saw the body of a dead'cavalry-
man ?" or that he would pay twenty-five dollars for the "dead
body of a cavalryman."
The fruits of this battle were four thousand, five hun
dred prisoners, among whom were Major-General Ed John
son and Brigadier-Generals H. R. Jackson, T. B. Smith and
E. W. Rucker ; all of the wounded left upon the field, fifty-
four pieces of artillery, together with thousands of small
arms and accoutrements and twenty-five battle-flags. The
loss in killed and wounded on each side was light when the
numbers engaged are taken into consideration. General
Thomas reported a loss in killed, wounded and missing of
three thousand and sixty-one. The loss in Wilson's cavalry
was three hundred and twenty-nine.
It is said that Hood issued an order on the morning of
the 1 6th for his army to retreat, but he could not withdraw
under fire, so that afternoon his routed and disorganized
army was seen flying southward from the battlefield. Let
us now turn to the pursuit. After the defeat of Chalmers
on the night of the i6th, Wrilson deemed it unwise to con
tinue the pursuit, as the night was very dark and the men
and horses completely exhausted from the hard day's work.
The cavalry bivouacked for the night as follows : Hatch,
Croxton and Knipe on the Granny White turnpike, and
Johnson on the Hillsboro turnpike.
Early the next morning the pursuit was continued by
the cavalry, followed by the infantry. At Brentwood, Crox-
ton's brigade was ordered to take the Wilson turnpike, John
son's division the Hillsboro turnpike, while Hatch and Knipe
moved their divisions along the Franklin turnpike. Just a
short distance beyond Brentwood, Knipe began skirmishing
with Hood's rear guard, which was kept up until Hollow
Tree Gap was reached. Here the rear guard of the routed
army made a stand and offered battle. The position was
handsomely carried by Knipe's division, supported by Hatch.
The enemy was routed and fell back rapidly toward Frank-
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 235
lin. In this spirited engagement the enemy lost by capture
four hundred and thirteen officers and enlisted men and two
flags.
Croxton's brigade skirmished with the rear guard the
most of the way to Franklin. Hood made a show of re
sistance at Franklin, but his flanks being turned he fell back
toward Columbia. Croxton and Hatch moved to the left
of Franklin, swimming Harpeth River at McGavock's Ford,
and encamped for the night near Douglass Church, on the
Lewisburg turnpike. In making this move the enemy was
encountered only in small force, but we succeeded in cap
turing about one hundred and thirty prisoners. Johnson
crossed below and Knipe in front of Franklin. Hood, finding
his flanks turned, abandoned the place, which contained all
of his wrounded and a large quantity of rations.
The little town of Franklin presented a sight that to be
seen would never be forgotten. All public buildings,
churches, school-houses, stores and even shops and private
dwellings had been converted into hospitals, into which the
wounded had been crowded after the desperate battle of
November 30. A good many of our own wounded were
among the sufferers in the crowded hospitals and no doubt
many of the wounded of both armies died for want of proper
attention.
Wilson continued the pursuit south from Franklin with
great energy, moving on all the roads, and continued to
harass the flanks and rear of Hood's army. Johnson, who
was moving on the Carter's Creek turnpike, turned Hood's
right flank and dashed on in the direction of Spring Hill to
strike the retreating army at that point. Croxton was mov
ing on the Lewisburg turnpike, driving the enemy rapidly
along that thoroughfare, while Hatch and Knipe pushed him
along the Columbia turnpike. The flanking columns were
ordered to push forward and if possible to pass around the
flanks of Hood's rear guard, while the center column kept
pressing the rear. •
A short distance south of Franklin, General Lee, who at
236 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
that time was in command of Hood's rear guard, decided
to make a stand in order that his exhausted troops might
enjoy a night's rest. But Hatch and Knipe attacked Hood's
rear with great energy, driving it back in confusion, cap
turing three guns. In this running fight General Lee was
wounded, and under cover of darkness fled in disorder to
Spring Hill.
General Lee, in his official report of the Hood cam
paign, makes the following mention of the pursuit : "Early
on the morning of the I7th our cavalry was driven in, in con
fusion, by the enemy, who at once commenced a most vigor
ous pursuit, his cavalry charging at every opportunity and
in the most daring manner. It was apparent that they were
determined to make the retreat a rout if possible. * * *
I was compelled to withdraw rapidly toward Franklin, as the
enemy was throwing a force in my rear from both the right
arid left of the pike, on roads coming into the pike near
Franklin and five miles in my rear."
Early on the morning of the i8th the pursuit was con
tinued, although we were out of rations, with Croxton and
Johnson on the flanks endeavoring to strike the enemy at or
near Spring Hill, with Hatch and Knipe in the center. On
reaching Spring Hill we found the enemy had left early in
the morning for Columbia. This day's march was made
through mud and slush and a cold, drizzling rain. This was
a quiet day, and late in the afternoon the command was
halted some four miles south of Spring Hill, where it
bivouacked for the night.
Before leaving camp on the morning of the iQth, rations
were issued to the troops, after which the whole column
resumed the pursuit through a storm of rain and snow.
Hood fell back during the night and by morning was on
the south side of Rutherford's Creek. After crossing the
stream he destroyed the railroad bridge, and on reaching
Rutherford's Creek wre found his rear guard strongly posted
behind works on the south bank, completely covering the
crossings.
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 237
On approaching Rutherford's Creek we found this bold
and rapid stream very much swollen by the heavy rains of
the past twenty-four hours. This rise made it impossible
for the cavalry to cross, and as we were without a pontoon
bridge, a short halt was made. The deep, swift current of
Rutherford's Creek formed almost as good a rear guard as
Hood's discouraged troops. The rains had ruined the roads ;
in fact, it was almost impossible for the troops to move
except along the turnpikes, the dirt roads being nothing more
than quagmires. During the day several attempts were
made to cross the stream, but all of them failed.
Wood's Fourth Corps reached us on the afternoon of
the iQth. This was a very dreary and disagreeable day, as
a cold and drizzling rain continued to fall during the day.
Late in the afternoon Hatch made a floating bridge from
material obtained from the partially destroyed railroad
bridge, and taking his men over dismounted, succeeded in
driving back the enemy from, the south bank. During the
night the pontoons arrived and on the morning of the 2ist
were thrown across Rutherford's Creek at or near where
the Columbia turnpike crosses. Wilson's cavalry pushed on
toward Columbia, but was able to capture but few pris
oners, as Hood had taken advantage of the swollen stream
to slip out of the way of his pursuers. At Rutherford's
Creek the divisions of Johnson and Knipe were turned back
and sent to Nashville for the purpose of being remounted.
On reaching Columbia the advance of Wilson's cavalry
had a light skirmish at the crossing with the rear of Hood's
army. There was considerable cannonading during the day
by both armies^ but toward night the firing ceased and all
became quiet. Duck River was very much swollen by the
recent rains. For the next two days the cavalry remained in
camp, awaiting the arrival of the pontoons. The weather,
which had been exceedingly gloomy and wet for the past
few days, now changed to bitter cold, greatly retarding the
work of laying the bridge in front of Columbia. The sudden
freeze caused the river to fall rapidly, necessitating frequent
alterations and changes of the bridge.
238 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
Hood from the very start managed to keep his wagons
well toward his front, thereby saving them from capture.
At this place Hood ran some of his guns into Duck River
to prevent capture. Not quite a month before, Hood's army
was headed north and was full of hope, expecting to brush
away the little army that confronted them, capture Nash
ville and march on to Louisville. But after the reception
given his army at Franklin and Nashville, he changed
his mind, about-faced and, like the soldier who went to Lee
for a furlough, continued the march. As the story may not
be familiar to the reader, I will relate it. One day a soldier
went to General R. E. Lee for a furlough. The general said
to him, "Take the position of a soldier," which he promptly
did. Lee then gave the command, " About-face, forward
march!" And as the soldier was not halted he continued
the march to his home.
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 239
CHAPTER XVIII.
THE PURSUIT CONTINUED — ENGAGEMENT AT LYNNVILLE —
CHRISTMAS EVE — PURSUIT ENDS — ORDERED TO WATERLOO
— WINTER QUARTERS — THE MOVE INTO MISSISSIPPI — RE
TURN TO THE OLD CAMP.
Hood made some show of resistance at Columbia and
hoped to maintain a defensive line on the south side of Duck
River, but the deplorable condition of his army did not war
rant him in making the attempt, so he abandoned that idea
and moved south. The weather was cold, and Hood's troops,
who were thinly clad and poorly fed, suffered terribly as
they toiled painfully on over the frozen ground with swollen
and bruised feet and empty haversacks. In order to end
this barefooted march in mid-winter, hundreds threw away
their guns and surrendered, thinking this would be the
quickest way to end their sufferings.
But under all these great trials and misfortunes, Hood
displayed great pluck, and now realized that the only way
to avoid capture before reaching the Tennessee River was
by placing a heavy force in the rear of his retreating army.
He placed Walthall, of Stewart's corps, one of his youngest
and bravest division commanders, in charge of eight bri
gades of infantry, whose effective strength was nineteen hun
dred men. This force was further stregthened by the divis
ions of Buford, Jackson and Chalmers, of Forrest's com
mand, numbering not far from six thousand men, the whole
under that intrepid leader, General N. B. Forrest. With this
large and well-selected body of men Hood expected Forrest
to cover the retreat of his army and save it from rout and
destruction if possible.
On the 22nd, Wood's Fourth Corps crossed over, fol-
240 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
lowed on the morning of the 23rd by Wilson's cavalry. The
two days' delay of Thomas's army at Columbia waiting for
the pontoons to reach the front was wisely improved upon
by Hood, who kept his army moving south, so that when the
rear guard was pressed it would have a clear road and could
fall back rapidly. With the exception of his rear guard, his
army was badly demoralized, half of whom were unarmed
and barefooted.
On the morning of the 24th, Wilson's cavalry continued
the pursuit toward Pulaski, with Wood's Fourth Corps fol
lowing. Croxton's brigade was in the advance, and after
moving a short distance began skirmishing with the rear
guard of Hood's army. The enemy fell back as we ad
vanced and when Croxton's brigade had reached Lynnville,
a point about half way between Columbia and Pulaski, Crox-
ton found the enemy in line and ready for a fight.
Croxton formed his brigade in line and at once moved
forward and boldly attacked Chalmers' division. After
some pretty sharp fighting Chalmers was routed and driven
in disorder from the field. The pursuit \vas continued to
Buford Station, near Richland Creek. Here Forrest made
a desperate effort to hold Wilson's troops in check in order
that Hood's weary soldiers might get a little rest. . His posi
tion \vas well chosen, and with the aid of six pieces of ar
tillery and all of his cavalry, he was able to offer considerable
resistance. Forrest placed his artillery on the turnpike and
opened fire on our advancing troops.
The Union guns were sent to the front and responded
with great vigor, dealing out shot and shell in great pro
fusion. After a severe artillery duel, Wilson sent the divis
ions of Hatch and Harrison to the support of Croxton, who
was hotly engaged. The whole of Wilson's cavalry moved
froward, striking Forrest in front and flank. The rout was
complete and the enemy fled in confusion across Richland
Creek.
This engagement for a while was quite severe. One
flag and several prisoners fell into our hands and General
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TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 241
Buford, one of Forrest's division commanders, was wounded.
The army bivouacked on the field for the night. The casu
alties in the First Tennessee were as follows :
Killed — Company C, James L. Smith ; Company H, Ser
geant James P. Churchman.
Wounded — Company A, James H. Smith ; Company C,
Sergeant James E. Skeen, severely wounded in right arm;
Company L, William T. Hall.
In this engagement Corporal Harrison Collins, Com
pany A, captured General Chalmers' headquarters flag. The
brave corporal saw the flag, dashed into the enemy's ranks,
and in a personal encounter killed the color-bearer and
secured the flag. After the engagement Corporal Collins,
by order of Colonel Dyer, took the captured flag to General
Croxton's headquarters, where he was highly complimented
by his general for conspicuous bravery. He was ordered
to Washington, where he was awarded a medal of honor
for heroic conduct on the field. The writer was in Wash
ington a few years ago and made an effort to find this trophy,
but by an act of Congress all captured flags are stored away
and no one is permitted to see them. The following com
plimentary notice was made at the time by our brigade com
mander:
HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE, FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION,
Near Richland Creek, December 25, 1864.
LIEUT. COL. A. J. ALEXANDER,
Chief of Staff, Cavalry Corps :
COLONEL : I have the honor to forward herewith a rebel battle-
flag captured from Chalmers' division yesterday evening. The cap
ture was made by Corporal Harrison Collins, Company A, First
Tennessee Cavalry. The corporal saw the rebel standard-bearer,
under the direction of a rebel major, trying to rally his men. He
determined to have the flag, led a charge, killed the major, routed
his men, and secured the flag.
I am, Colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN T. CROXTON,
Brigadier-General Commanding.
During the night the enemy retreated to Pulaski. Gen-
242 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
eral Forrest makes the following mention of this engage
ment in his official report of the Hood campaign : "On the
morning of the 24th I ordered the infantry back toward
Pulaski on the main pike and my cavalry on the right and
left flanks. After advancing about three miles the enemy
was met, where a severe engagement occurred and the enemy
was held in check for two hours. I retreated two miles,
where I took position at Richland Creek. Brigadier-General
Armstrong was thrown forward in front and General Ross
on the right flank. Chalmers and Buford formed a junction,
and were ordered on the left flank. Brigadier-General Arm
strong was ordered to the support of six pieces of my artil
lery, which were placed in position immediately on the main
pike and on a line with Buford's and Chalmers' divisions and
Ross' brigade of Jackson's division. After severe artillery
firing on both sides, two pieces of the enemy's artillery were
dismounted. The enemy then flanked to the right and left
and crossed Richland Creek on my right, with the view of
gaining my rear. I immediately ordered Armstrong and
Ross, of Jackson's division, to cross the bridge on the main
pike and move around and engage the enemy, who were
crossing the creek. Both Buford and Chalmers were heavily
pressed on the left, and after an engagement of two hours
I ordered them to fall back across Richland Creek. * * *
Brigadier-General Buford was wounded in this engagement,
and I ordered Brigadier-General Chalmers to assume com
mand of Brigadier-General Buford's division, together with
his own." We had no artillery dismounted, as reported by
Forrest.
This was our third Christmas eve spent around the
lonely camp-fire, and which was made memorable by the
day's struggle and the loss of dear comrades. The First
Tennessee had marched thousands of miles during the year,
and as we gathered around the camp-fire and talked over
the year's work and the great loss of life during that time,
many eyes were moistened and tears could be seen trickling
down the bronzed faces of these hardy veterans. It seemed
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 243
that there was no rest for the First Tennessee, but we all
knew that from the "rapid strides" made during the past
year the end was near at hand ; besides, we had almost de
stroyed the largest army in the southwest. About one month
before, we were falling back toward Nashville before the
same army we were pursuing. Hood's veterans, which one
month before were marching north with a quick step, with
"high hopes, good rations and big pay," were now fleeing
south in great confusion, with ranks badly shattered and
broken.
On Christmas morning Wilson continued the pursuit
toward Pulaski, pressing the enemy's rear guard with un
usual vigor and audacity, the line of retreat still showing
signs of haste and confusion. Trains, wagons and ammuni
tion were destroyed to prevent capture. Forrest was driven
rapidly through Pulaski, closely followed by Harrison's and
Hammond's brigades. The enemy were pursued so rapidly
that the bridge over Richland Creek, a short distance south
of Pulaski, was saved. This was a most fortunate thing, as
it enabled Wilson to continue the pursuit without delay.
Forrest was not permitted to rest, but was pushed south
faster than he really wanted to go.
In Forrest's hasty evacuation of Pulaski he was com
pelled to destroy a locomotive and several cars loaded with
arms and ammunition. He threw four cannon into Richland
Creek. Wilson pursued on, finding on the wifjj^ abandoned
artillery, ammunition and baggage-wagons, guns and equip
ments. Seven miles south of Pulaski, Forrest was compelled
to make a stand in order that Hood's wagon train might be
saved as Wilson had driven his rear guard close upon it.
Forrest took up a position on Anthony's Hill, which he forti
fied and awaited the approach of Wilson's cavalry. This
position was admirably selected, being hidden from view by
heavy timber. The road at this point ran through a deep
ravine and along the sides and at the head Forrest and
Walthall threw up works.
About 2 p. m. the brigades of Harrison and Hammond,
244 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
who were in the advance, began skirmishing. Harrison dis
mounted his brigade and forming it in line of battle moved
forward at once to the attack. The enemy opened with ar
tillery, but Hammond's men moved on toward the works.
And here, for the first time since the battle of Nashville,
Walthall's infantry sprang over the works and drove back
Harrison's men and captured one gun of Smith's Battery
I, Fourth United States Artillery. Wilson immediately or
dered up Croxton's brigade and Hatch's division to the sup
port of Harrison and Hammond. Croxton, Hatch and Ham
mond moved on the flanks, while Harrison renewed the
struggle in front. This move caused Forrest to abandon his
position in haste, leaving about fifty prisoners in our hands.
Late in the afternoon P'orrest withdrew from his position
and fell back to Sugar Creek, and during the night built a
temporary line of works.
Early on the morning of the 26th, the pursuit was con
tinued, with Hammond's brigade in the advance. The line
of retreat still indicated haste, as the road was lined with
abandoned wagons, muskets, equipments and stragglers who-
had fallen out, some from exhaustion, others for the purpose
of being captured. To Hood's poor, hungry, half-clad and
down-hearted soldiers the picture must have been a sad one,
and the future dark, as they toiled on with bowed heads and
decimated ranks. Wilson still pressed the enemy with in
creased dete&nination and untiring energy, but the resistance
during the morning was light. As Hammond approached
Sugar Creek he encountered the advance of Ross' brigade,
and after a sharp skirmish drove it back upon the main
force.
Hammond pursued the retreating enemy to his works,
where he was attacked by infantry and cavalry and driven
back some distance. Hammond rallied his brigade and drove
the enemy back to his works, holding the position until the
arrival of the remainder of Wilson's troops. In the after
noon the enemy's position was shelled vigorously, after which
they fell back to Shoal Creek. Here Walthall formed his
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 245
infantry in line to guard the crossing while Forrest's cavalry
moved on to the Tennessee River. In the engagement at
Sugar Creek the Second and Fourth Tennessee Cavalry, of
Hammond's brigade, sustained their already brilliant repu
tation.
Here the pursuit practically ended. Hood, with the ad
vance of his army, reached Bainbridge on the 25th, and on
the 26th laid his pontoon and began crossing his army. On
the 28th, Walthall's infantry, which had covered Hood's re
treat so well, crossed to the south side and the pontoon was
taken up. Hood moved the remnant of his army to Tupelo.
Mississippi, by slow and easy march, and on the 23rd of
January, 1865, at his own request, was relieved of his com
mand. A small force of cavalry under Colonel Palmer
crossed Tennessee River and overtook and destroyed Hood's
pontoon train, consisting of two hundred wagons and
seventy-eight pontoon-boats. Thus ended one of the most
successful campaigns of the war.
Let us now turn and briefly read the account of this
well-known retreat from the able pen of Major D. W.
Sanders, assistant adjutant-general, French's division, Stew
art's corps : "General Hood, in a campaign of thirty-eight
days on the north side of the Tennessee River, fought the
battles of Franklin and Nashville and wrecked his army.
No damage of any consequence had been inflicted upon the
enemy. Thomas, at Nashville, confronted him with a power
ful and well-appointed army, fully equipped in all the arms
of the service, and when he moved on him overwhelmed and
routed him. At Columbia, it appeared as though Thomas
would crush and capture the army. The pursuit of his
mounted force under the command of General Wilson was
fierce and relentless. The march of the rear guard from
Columbia to Bainbridge, with the incessant assaults made
upon it, is the most famous in the late war. The courage
of this small body of troops was admirable; the hardships
endured by them were terrible; and their endurance a last
ing tribute to the devotion of the volunteer soldier. Their
246 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
brigade commanders were men of high and marked charac
ter, who had distinguished themselves on many fields in great
battles. The escape of Hood's army was committed to their
valor, and on them rested the hope of the army to reach the
Tennessee River and to cross it in safety."
On the 3Oth, General Thomas announced to his army
the completion of the campaign and gave orders for the dis
position of his troops. A portion of Wilson's cavalry was
sent to Huntsville, Alabama, and one division to Eastport,
Mississippi. Croxton's brigade was ordered to Waterloo,
Alabama.
This was the last time the old "Volunteer State" was
invaded by the enemy. In Hood's army were thousands of
Tennesseans, a great many of whom never left the State on
the retreat. In no battle of the war were there so many
Tennessee troops engaged on the Union side as at Nashville.
The following organizations were present and took part in
that memorable struggle: First, Second, Third, Fourth,
Sixth, Tenth and Twelfth Cavalry ; Third, Fifth, Sixth and
Eighth Infantry ; Batteries C and D, First Tennessee Light
Artillery.
In this short campaign of only thirty-eight days, Hood
lost by capture thirteen thousand, one hundred and eighty-
nine men, besides hundreds who slipped away and never re
ported for duty again, and two thousand by desertion. He
lost seventy-two pieces of artillery, besides large quantities
of small arms, wagons and accoutrements and seventy stands
of colors. If to the desertions and prisoners we add his loss
in battle it is safe to say that not much more than one-half
of his army recrossed the Tennessee River.
General Thomas lost during the campaign, in all forms
of casualties, less than seven thousand men, and as the most
of the wounds inflicted upon his troops were light, they soon
returned to duty. General Wilson reported his loss during
the campai-gn from all causes to be nine hundred and two.
Wilson's loss is included in General Thomas's report.
Hood's army was completely wrecked and demoralized
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 247
and no damage of any consequence had been inflicted upon
the Union army. Thomas's army had been hastily gathered
together from different points to meet Hood's invasion, but
demonstrated the fact that the unyielding patriotism of the
Western men, under such a leader as Thomas, could not be
doubted, and probably no army was ever more skilfully
handled. Thomas had manifested his military ability early
in 1 86 1 -2, and for the first time during the war was so large
a Confederate army destroyed on the field of battle and on its
retreat. The battles of Franklin and Nashville rank with
those of Shiloh, Stone River and Chickamauga, and one
remarkable feature is the small loss in killed, wounded and
captured on the Union side. There seems to be but one
way to account for it, and that is the skilful manner in which
Thomas handled his troops.
The following dispatches will show the estimation in
which General Thomas and his brave soldiers were held by
the ruler of a great nation :
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Near Nashville, Term., December 16, 1864.
GENERAL ORDERS No. 167.
The Major-General commanding, with pride and pleasure, pub
lishes the following dispatches to the army, and adds thereto his own
thanks to the troops for the unsurpassed gallantry and good conduct
displayed by them in the battles of yesterday and to-day. A few
more examples of devotion and courage like these, and the rebel
army of the West, which you have been fighting for three years, will
be no more, and you may reasonably expect an early and honorable
peace :
WASHINGTON, D. C., December 15, 1864 — 11:30 A. M.
MAJOR-GENERAL THOMAS :
Please accept for yourself, officers and men the Nation's thanks
for your good work of yesterday. You made a magnificent begin
ning. A grand consummation is within your easy reach; do not let
it slip. A. LINCOLN.
WASHINGTON, D. C., December 15, 1864— Midnight.
MAJOR- GENERAL THOMAS:
I rejoice in tendering to you and the gallant officers and soldiers
of your cQmmand the thanks of the Department for the brilliant
achievements of this day, and hope that it is the harbinger of a
248 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
decisive victory, and will crown you and your army with honor and
do much toward closing the war. We shall give you an hundred
guns in the morning.
EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War.
WASHINGTON, D. C., December 15, 1864. — 11:45 P. M.
MAJOR-GENERAL THOMAS :
Your dispatch of this evening just received. I congratulate
you and the army under your command for to-day's operations, and
feel a conviction that to-morrow will add more fruits to your
victory. U. S. GRANT,
Lieutenant-General.
WAR DEPARTMENT. ADJUTANT- GENERALS OFFICE,
Washington, March n, 1865.
GENERAL ORDERS No. 33.
The following resolution is published for the information of all
concerned :
PUBLIC RESOLUTION — NO. 24.
Joint Resolution of Thanks to Major-General George H. Thomas
and the army under his command.
BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the
thanks of Congress are due, and are hereby tendered, to Major-
General George H. Thomas and the officers and soldiers under his
command, for their skill and dauntless courage by which the rebel
army under General Hood was signally defeated and driven from
the State of Tennessee.
Approved March 3, 1865.
By order of Secretary of War.
E. D. TOWNSEND,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Pulaski, Tenn., December 29, 1864.
GENERAL ORDERS No. 169.
SOLDIERS: The Major-General commanding announces to you
that the rear guard of the flying and dispirited enemy was driven
across the Tennessee River on the night of the 27th instant The
impassable state of the roads and consequent impossibility to supply
the army compels a closing of the campaign for the present. Al
though short, it has been brilliant in its achievements and unsur
passed in its results by any other of this war, and is one of which
all who participated therein may be justly proud. That veteran rebel
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 249
army which, though driven from position to position, opposed a stub
born resistance to much superior numbers during the whole of the
Atlanta campaign, taking advantage of the absence of the largest por
tion of the army which had been opposed to it in Georgia, invaded
Tennessee, buoyant with hope, expecting Nashville, Murfreesboro,
and the whole of Tennessee and Kentucky to fall into its power an
easy prey, and scarcely fixing a limit to its conquests, after having
received the most terrible check at Franklin on the 3Oth of Novem
ber that any army has received during this war, and later met with
signal repulse from the brave garrison of Murfreesboro in its at
tempt to capture that place, was finally attacked at Nashville, and
although your forces were inferior to it in numbers, it was hurled
back from the coveted prize upon which it had only been permitted
to look from a distance, and finally sent flying, dismayed and dis-
• ordered, whence it came, impelled by the instinct of self-preservation,
and thinking only how it could relieve itself for short intervals from
your persistent and harrassing pursuit, by burning the bridges over
the swollen streams as it passed them, until finally it had placed the
broad waters of the Tennessee River between you and its shattered,
diminished and discomfited columns, leaving its artillery and battle-
flags in your victorious hands, lasting trophies of your noble daring
and lasting mementoes of the enemy's disgrace and defeat.
You have diminished the forces of the rebel army, since it
crossed the Tennessee River to invade the State, at the least estimate,
15,000 men, among whom were killed, wounded or captured eighteen
general officers Your captures from the enemy, as far as reported,
amount to sixty-eight pieces of artillery, 10,000 prisoners, as many
stands of small arms, several thousand of which have been gathered
in and the remainder strew the route of the enemy's retreat, and
between thirty and forty flags, besides compelling him to destroy
much ammunition and abandon many wagons, and unless he is mad,
he must forever relinquish all hope of bringing Tennessee again
within the lines of the accursed rebellion. A short time will now be
given you to prepare to continue the work so nobly begun.
By command of Major-General THOMAS.
WM. D. WHIPPI^,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
BLUE WATER, December 30, 1864.
SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS No. 16.
It gives the brevet major-general great pleasure to transmit
the following complimentary notice of the operations of the cavalry
corps, and to assure the officers and soldiers of his command that
he fully endorses the declaration of Major-General Thomas:
250 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Pulaski, Tenn., December 29, 1864.
MAJOR-GENERAL J. H. WILSON, Commanding Cavalry Corps,
Military Division of the Mississippi :
GENERAL: The major-general commanding tenders his thanks
to yourself, officers and men for the vigor, skill, bravery and endur
ance displayed by your corps in this long and toilsome pursuit of the
retreating rebel army
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WM. D. WHIFFLE,
Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff.
By order of Brevet Major-General WILSON :
E. B. BEAUMONT,
Major and Assistant Adjutant-General.
General Wilson's cavalry captured during the campaign
eighty-six officers and three thousand, one hundred and
forty-nine enlisted men, twelve flags, seventeen pieces of ar
tillery and eleven caissons, two thousand, three hundred and
eighty-six small arms, three locomotives, one hundred and
eighty-four wagons, eight ambulances, one hundred and
twenty-five pontoon wagons and seventy-eight boats, and
one thousand, three hundred and forty-eight mules and
horses.
When the pursuit ended, General Thomas gave orders
for his army to build winter quarters. This was something
new to the First Tennessee, and the boys went about the
work with a will and soon had their "log cabins" ready for
the plasterers. This was the only time during our service
that such an opportunity had been given us to build com
fortable quarters. We were beginning to congratulate our
selves on the solid comfort that we expected to get out of
our cabins and the great improvement over the "dog-tent"
when orders came to move. General Grant issued an order
for the renewal of the campaign against the enemy.
After a rest of two weeks the First Tennessee left its
splendid quarters at Waterloo and plunged into the swamps
of Mississippi with the remainder of the brigade. Croxton
crossed the Tennessee River without opposition and moved
VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 251
through Eastport, then, turning southwest, marched his bri
gade to luka, on the Memphis & Charleston Railroad. From
this place Croxton marched his command on through Burns-
ville to Corinth, skirmishing lightly on the way and picking
up a few prisoners.
luka and Corinth had both been made historic by the
desperate fighting between the forces of Grant, Van Dorn
and Price in September and October, 1862. There was
ample evidence that contending armies had struggled in and
around these old Mississippi towns. The engagement at
Corinth was exceedingly fierce and bloody. It was in this
fierce and sanguinary struggle that the gallant and intrepid
soldier, General A. P. Hackleman, was killed and General
R. J. Oglesby severely wounded on the Union side, while
the brave General Rogers, leading his Texas brigade, fell in
front of Battery Robinette. At luka, General Little was
killed and General Whitfield wounded on the enemy's side.
From Corinth Croxton moved east to Farmington and
after a short rest marched back to luka. This part of Mis
sissippi is exceedingly low and fiat and during dry weather
is very nice, but when thoroughly wet by protracted rains
might very properly be denominated a swamp. But the soil
is as easily affected by the drought as by rains. Corinth is
built upon low land and is situated at the junction of the
Memphis & Charleston and the Mobile & Ohio Railroads.
After resting for one day at luka, Croxton moved his
brigade back through Eastport to the old camp-ground at
Waterloo, Alabama, where it remained for a month.
"We're tenting to-night on the old camp-ground,
Give us a song to cheer
Our weary hearts — a song of home
And friends we love so dear!
Many are the hearts that are weary to-night,
Wishing for the war to cease;
Many are the hearts looking for the right,
To see the dawn of peace.
Tenting to-night, tenting to-night,
Tenting on the old camp-ground."
252 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
This movement of Croxton's brigade into Mississippi
was for the purpose of watching the movements of Hood
and finding out the route his retreating army had taken.
From this place numerous scouts were made in all directions.
The last man wounded in the First Tennessee was James
H. Blakely, private Company A, who was shot by "bush
whackers" on one of these scouts, February, 1865.
The last of January the Second and Third Brigades of
McCook's division arrived at our camp at Waterloo. These
brigades, by order of General Wilson, left Nashville on the
nth day of December, 1864, for the purpose of checking
General Lyon, who was reported to be moving on the Louis
ville & Nashville Railroad. After doing considerable dam
age, he was driven out of Kentucky with a loss of three-
fourths of his command. By order of General Wilson, the
Third Brigade, commanded by General Watkins, was broken
up, the Sixth Kentucky Cavalry being assigned to Croxton's
brigade and the Fourth and Seventh Kentucky to La
Grange's brigade.
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 253
CHAPTER XIX.
RELIEVED AT THE FRONT — ORDERED TO NASHVILLE — THE SUR
RENDER OF LEE — GREAT REJOICING IN CAMP — THE WAR
ENDED — PREPARING FOR MUSTER-OUT.
While at this camp the First Tennessee was relieved of
duty at the front and ordered to Nashville to be mustered
out. Here ended the military service of this gallant body
of men, whose dead lie scattered over seven different States,
in which they rendered distinguished service. The First
Tennessee during its three years' service marched over four
teen thousand miles, which, together with its large death-
roll and its "staying qualities1' in battle, made it a noted
regiment in the Army of the Cumberland, where it per
formed the greater part of its service. The battles, marches,
picket and camp duty, the shouts of victory on fields of car
nage, were about to end ; we were soon to part from, and
"bid adieu" to our comrades of the old First Brigade, com
posed of the Second Michigan, Eighth Iowa, Fourth Ken
tucky, who had stood shoulder to shoulder on a score of
battlefields where shot and shell and the "ever zipping minie"
had decimated their ranks.
As a regiment it had never disgraced the flags it bore
or the cause it loved and had battled for during three terrible
years of carnage and bloodshed. We make a modest claim,
and that, too, without being called egotistical, that we did our
whole duty, and as members of a fighting regiment helped
to sustain the already brilliant reputation of the old "Volun
teer State." The splendid record made by Tennessee's noble
and patriotic sons in the early wars was hardly equalled in
any age. We find these hardy pioneer riflemen fighting in
the ranks of Sevier and Shelby at King's Mountain, under
254 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
Jackson and Coffee at the battle of the Horseshoe, and at
New Orleans, where Sir Edward Packenham was slain and
his splendid and well-equipped army routed and driven from
the field by the unerring aim of the Tennessee riflemen.
Later on, we find the sons of the old "Volunteer State"
springing to arms in numbers much greater than her quota
and following the old flag across the burning sands of
Mexico to lead the assaulting columns at Monterey and
Cerro Gordo. In the late war we find these same loyal sons
of East Tennessee marching forth to battle under the old
flag, and by their valor have added lustre to the escutcheon
of the "Volunteer State."
Before leaving Waterloo the officers and enlisted men
of the regiment presented General John T. Croxton, their
brigade commander, with a handsome sword, properly en
graved, as a slight token of th,e confidence and estimation
they placed upon him as their commander, whether it was
upon the field of battle, on the march or in camp. Lieu
tenant-Colonel Dyer marched the regiment to General Crox-
ton's headquarters and formed it in line in front of his tent.
The General, mistrusting that something "unusual" was up,
came forward and greeted us, after which the boys gave him
three rousing cheers. Rev. John P. Holtsinger, chaplain of
the First Tennessee, then stepped forward and on behalf of
the officers and men of the regiment presented the sword
to the General. His address was as follows :
GENERAL : I have been selected and solicited by the officers and
men of my regiment to perform the very honorable and agreeable
duty of presenting to you this sword, which I hope you will receive
as evidence of the favorable opinion which your meritorious military
conduct has induced us to form of you since it has been our good
fortune to be placed under your command. I have been appointed
and urged to the performance of this duty from no other considera
tion than that I am an old man.
When first you received us into your brigade and assumed
command of us. our forms and features were strange to each other,
bearing no marks of familiarity except the uniforms of the great
Union army. Allow me to assure you that your fame as a warrior
had reached us long before we met and stood shoulder to shoulder
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 255
in opposition to the enemies of our government. We had heard of
your valuable service and meritorious management on various battle
fields, where the earth was made crimson with the blood of the slain ;
and we were not only satisfied, but we were proud and felt honored
to have you for our brigade commander, either in camp or on the
field of conflict.
Since we formed a part of your command, our lot has been
almost constantly cast in the immediate front of a powerful foe, and
I only represent and reiterate the honest expression of my regiment
when I declare that you have at all times, even on occasions the most
critical, given ample satisfaction both to officers and men. Our pro
tracted association and military relationships have been of that
friendly character which imparts success and honor to comrades con
tending for the same and great glorious cause. It is with feelings of
profound regret that we part from friends and army associates with
whom we have mutually struggled on many battlefields for liberty —
the richest boon on earth.
We finally leave this sword with you, which, judging from the
past, we have every reason to believe you will wield in a way that
will do honor to yourself and the good and great government for
which you are gallantly contending.
To this General Croxton replied as follows :
SOLDIERS AND FRIENDS OF FREEDOM : I accept and receive this
sword as a token of the satisfaction which I have been able to impart
to the magnanimous soldiers whom it has given me pleasure, as well
as reputation, to command. The scenes and sufferings, privations
and perils, through which you passed in the early days of the rebellion
are known to me, and my sympathies have long since been enlisted in
your favor, while I have truly sorrowed on account of your condi
tion and the condition of your friends at home. The oppression of
the Union people of East Tennessee has been to me a source of sor
row. I am better prepared to understand your sufferings because in
Kentucky, the place of my residence, the Union party encountered op
pression and abuse in common with their Union friends in East
Tennessee. It was neither inclination nor ambition for military
renown that induced me to enter the service, but principle, which
should at all times control ambition and inclination, led me into the
path of the warrior when the great struggle was brought about by
rebels for the overthrow of our government.
The regiment with which I first served, and which I had the
honor to command, was the first to pitch tents and establish a
Federal camp south of the Ohio River. Kentucky, like Tennessee,
in the beginning of the war, was overrun and abused by rebels ; and
256 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
Kentuckians were compelled, at an early day of the war, to choose
their principles and act accordingly. It is with deep regret that I
witness your withdrawal and departure from my command. Under
standing as I do the honorable and upright course which you have
taken since the beginning of the rebellion, I cannot hesitate to ex
press my conviction that you will continue to oppose the enemies of
union and freedom until law and order are restored throughout our
broad land. I am gratified to believe that you will not divest your
selves of the Federal uniform and the weapons of war until secession
is not known in our land except in history.
Soldiers, you will long be remembered and respected by me for
your unhesitating obedience and unmurmuring endurance, both in
camp and on the field of action. Long may you live to enjoy the
liberty for which you have nobly fought and realize the fruits of the
perilous labors which you have performed.
On the loth day of February, 1865, the First Tennessee
embarked on government transports at Eastport, Mississippi,
for Nashville. The most of the men took hurricane and
boiler-deck passage on the transports. Company C — the
writer's company — with others, was on the Westmoreland, a
large side-wheel steamer. As the transports swung off and
began moving down the beautiful Tennessee cheer after
cheer went up in answer to those given by the boys of the
old brigade.
On our way to Nashville we met a great many heavily
loaded transports, accompanied by gunboats, on their way
to Eastport with supplies for the army, 'which was then being
concentrated at that point. These transports and the dark-
looking gunboats were puffing and plowing up the water,
while great clouds of black smoke rose from their huge
stacks.
We passed on this trip Shiloh, or Pittsburg Landing,
Forts Henry and Donelson, all of which have already passed
into history, but were pleasant and interesting sights to us.
In passing these historic places no sound of the hostile can
non or the shouts of the charging troops could be heard.
After a short run we entered Tennessee and soon reached
Shiloh. Here, on that bright Sabbath morning of Arpil 6,
1862, General Grant was aroused from his sleep by the boom
VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 257
of cannon. Along the banks of the Tennessee the Union
army under Grant and the Confederates under A. S. John
son met in deadly conflict. In the first day's battle John
son was slain and Grant's army driven back to the banks of
the river, where during the night the gunboats Tyler and
Lexington dropped 24-pound shells into the enemy's line.
On the morning of the 7th, Beauregard, who succeeded
Johnson, was routed and driven from the field toward
Corinth.
After passing Shiloh the Tennessee River turns almost
due north and at Fort Henry leaves Tennessee and enters
the State of Kentucky. On the 5th day of February, 1862,
this fort was captured by Commodore Foote, who com
manded the small fleet of gunboats of Grant's army. The
fort was commanded by General Tilgham, and after one
hour's bombardment he was forced to surrender.
We reached the mouth of the Tennessee river at Padu-
cah without accident, and after a short stay the transports
carrying the regiment turned up the Ohio River. At Smith-
land the boats entered the Cumberland River and steamed
away up the placid stream, while the black smoke floated
lazily from the tops of the stacks. Just before reaching Fort
Donelson we left Kentucky and again entered Tennessee.
The mouths of the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers are
only twelve miles apart, and where they enter Tennessee at
Fort Henry are only about eight miles apart. It is rather
singular that two rivers so large should run such a long
distance almost parallel and so close together.
On rounding a bend in Cumberland River below Fort
Donelson we caught sight of the "old flag" and the fort.
This was the place where Grant won his first important
victory in the west, compelling Buckner to surrender on the
1 6th day of February, 1862.
The weather was good for that season of the year, and
the scenery along the route was truly grand. In fact, it was
beyond the power of pen to describe or painter to portray.
At the mouth of Harpeth River the transports encountered
258 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
the famous Harpeth Shoals. The Cumberland River is very
shallow at this point and during extreme drouths it puzzles
the most skillful pilot to take his vessel safely across the
shoals.
After several days were spent in this manner of travel
ing, the First Tennessee reached the capital of its own State
without accident and went into camp at Edgefield, on the
Gallalin turnpike. This was the fourth time the regiment
had marched through the streets of Nashville. Two months
before, the thunder of artillery and the rattle of musketry
was heard in Nashville — now, all was quiet and the only
real signs of war were the guards moving about in the dis
charge of duty and the various regiments passing through
on their way home to be mustered out. The officers were
kept busy closing up their accounts, making up muster-out
rolls and getting ready for the final discharge.
We were given a great deal of liberty while in Nash
ville; in fact, the "freedom of the city" was given us. The
guard at the bridge would not look near so long at our
passes or ask so many "foolish" questions as on former oc
casions. There was some little delay in the muster-out of the
regiment, but in a few days that duty was performed by
Captain P. W. Neil, Eighteenth United States Infantry.
The regiment was still in Nashville when Lee sur
rendered. The 9th of April wras a proud and memorable
day. The news of the surrender of Lee's army was flashed
over the wires and a salute of two hundred guns was or
dered to be fired by E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War, at all
posts, headquarters of the army, arsenals and at West Point.
Everything in Nashville was in an uproar, and the soldiers
were wild with excitement. Bands were playing, soldiers
cheering and artillery booming. It was a regular Fourth of
July celebration on a high order. Men who were never
known to smile now iaughed ; those who were always quiet
in camp were heard to shout, and those who were never
known to take a drink of commissary whiskey actually got
drunk, and in the language of our own Davy Crockett said,
"Let's take another drink."
VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 259
The guns on Capitol Hill and in the forts at Nashville
belched forth this glorious news, and we all felt that the
war was almost at an end and soon peace would once more
return and witness a united country again. The greater
part of the men composing the regiment enlisted in March
and April, 1862, and on the muster-out of those who en
listed first, the remainder were reorganized and remained
on duty in Nashville until mustered out June 14, 1865. The
reader will bear in mind that there was great irregularity in
the enlistment of the Tennessee soldiers, owing to the fact
that it was impossible for them to escape from rebel terri
tory only as opportunity and favorable circumstances pre
sented themselves ; therefore the expiration of their enlist
ment varied and differed accordingly.
This reorganization afforded an opportunity for several
worthy promotions. Major R. Thornburgh, of the First
Battalion, being the senior officer left, was promoted to
Lieutenant-Colonel ; Captain E. J. Colville, Company L, was
promoted to Major; David Shaw, sergeant Company G, was
promoted to First Lieutenant in the same company ; Newton
T. Beal, private of Company E, was promoted to Second
Lieutenant in Company G. Several worthy promotions were
made among the non-commissioned officers and privates, but
the writer has been unable to obtain a list and make honor
able mention of the same.
The First Tennessee performed the greater part of its
service in the Army of the Cumberland, and although t^is
army was greatly scattered when the great struggle ended,
yet its heroic achievements still live and its dead are honored
by a loving people. The Army of the Cumberland was un
surpassed for bravery, and the gallant record made by it
was one that was not excelled during the Civil War. It
furnished a little more, than half the troops for the Atlanta
campaign. It was well represented in Sherman's grand
march to the sea, and fought alone the battles of Mill
Springs, Perryville, Stone River and Chickamauga.
It gave aid to the Army of the Tennessee at Fort Don-
260 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
elson and Pittsburg Landing, or Shiloh. We find it again-
dividing the glory of Franklin with the Army of the Ohio
and at Nashville with the Armies of the Ohio and the Ten
nessee. It also helped win Missionary Ridge and Lookout
Mountain. In Wilson's great "rush" through Mississippi,
Alabama and Georgia, we find representatives of the Army
of the Cumberland. Upon its banners were inscribed the
names of scores of historic fields.
The only field this army ever gave to the enemy in its
unity was bloody Chickamauga, and then the enemy was so
severely punished that the pursuit was weak and made with
out energy. Notwithstanding the great loss of life in the
Army of the Cumberland its ranks were kept filled, and at
the close of the great struggle it is safe to say that it num
bered at least one hundred and sixty-five thousand men, who
were now to return home and resume the pursuits of civil
life.
The final report of the Adjutant-General's office from
1 86 1 to 1866 shows a total loss in the Union army, from all
causes, to be three hundred and thirteen thousand men.
Tennessee lost in the same period and from all causes, six
thousand, seven hundred and seventy-seven men. Of this
number seven hundred and forty-four were killed or died
of wounds. Five thousand, one hundred and ninety-two
died of disease. In this list the twelve hundred and eighty-
two that died in prison are included. Three hundred and
seven were drowned. From other causes, such as murdered,
killed after capture, suicide, etc., four hundred and ninety.
The Second Tennessee Infantry lost more men in prison
than any regiment in the United States service. This gal
lant regiment \vas captured at Rogersville, Tennessee, No
vember 6, 1863.
The total enrollment of the First Tennessee during its
term of service, from the best and most reliable source, was
fourteen hundred and ninety-three men. The regiment lost
in killed and died of wounds and disease, three hundred and
thirty-three men. Those that died in prison are included
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 261
in this list. Three men from Tennessee committed suicide
during the war and one of this number was from the First
Tennessee. The most frequent causes for discharge from
the army wTere gunshot wounds, consumption, diarrhea and
typhoid fever. The largest number of deaths from disease
in the army occurred from chronic diarrhea and fever. The
First Tennessee lost more men from fever than any other
disease. During the war there were two hundred and ninety-
eight battles fought in Tennessee, — Virginia alone exceed
ing the "Volunteer State."
The seven National Cemeteries located in Tennessee
contain the remains of fifty-seven thousand and five of the
Union dead who gave up their lives in order that this great
and growing country might remain undivided. The largest
cemetery in Tennessee is located at Nashville. The re
mainder are given in the order as to the number of inter
ments in each: Memphis, Chattanooga, Stone River, Pitts-
burg Landing, Knoxville and Fort Donelson. Their graves
are kept green at the expense of the government they helped
to save, and their surviving comrades and friends on each
3Oth of May perform a loving and patriotic duty by re
counting what they did in song and story and the placing of
flags and Mowers upon their graves. The dead of the First
Tennessee lie buried in all of the cemeteries of their native
State, with the exceptions of Pittsburg Landing and Fort
Donelson.
'The First Tennessee met the enemy at the following
places: Cumberland Gap, June 18, 1862; Rigg's Cross
Roads, Term., April 16, 1863 ; College Grove, Term., May 8,
1863 ; Rover, Term., June 23, 1863 ; Middletown, Tenn.,
June 24, 1863; Shelbyville, Tenn., June 27, 1863; Lafayette,
Ga., Sept. 13, 1863; Chickamauga, Ga., Sept. 19 and 20,
1863 ; Sparta, Tenn., Nov. 30, 1863 J Dandridge, Tenn., Dec.
24, 1863 ; Mossy Creek, Tenn., Dec. 29, 1863 » Fairgarden,
Tenn., Jan. 27, 1864; Varnell's Station, Ga., May 9, 1864;
Resaca, Ga., May 14, 1864; Burnt Hickory, Ga., May 26,
1864; Brownlow's Hill, or Acworth, Ga., June 4, 1864;
262 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
Lost Mountain, Ga., June 16, 1864; Mason's Church, Ga.,
July 23, 1864; Lovejoy's Station, Ga., July 29, 1864; New-
nan, Ga., July 31, 1864; Lavergne, Tenn., Sept. i, 1864;
Franklin, Tenn., Sept. 2, 1864; Campbellsville, Tenn., Sept.
5, 1864; Pulaski, Tenn., Sept. 27, 1864; Shoal Creek, Ala.,
Nov. 5, 1864; Hurt's Cross Roads, Tenn., Nov. 29, 1864;
Franklin, Tenn., Nov. 30, 1864; Nashville, Tenn., Dec. 15
and 16, 1864; and Lynnville, Tenn., Dec. 24, 1864.
In addition to these engagements the regiment had
scores of skirmishes, some of which were quite severe, and
the writer is unable to recall a single instance in which the
First Tennessee ever refused or failed to execute any order
given to it, no matter how difficult and dangerous the execu
tion appeared. Colonel Brownlow was never heard to say
"go, boys," but always "come." Lieutenant-Colonel Dyer
led the regiment with equal gallantry after Colonel Brown-
low was wounded.
Thirty-five years have passed away since the great
struggle ended and we find the highest offices within the
gift of the American people have been filled by soldiers.
In all the vocations of life they have "paddled their own
canoes" admirably. Sober, enterprising, wide-awake, clear
headed, the soldiers of the Civil War have made an honor
able record in peace as well as war, and to-day take high
rank as good and useful citizens. The writer is more than
gratified to be able to say that so far as his means of knowl
edge extend the surviving members of the First Tennessee
are making just as good and useful citizens as they were
soldiers. They are industrious and are fighting the battle
of life as manfully as they fought the battles of their coun
try.
Since the close of the war forts and rifle-pits have in
many places disappeared and given place to beautiful homes
and sweet-scented flowers. Yet in many places they still
remain, and serve as reminders of the great struggle away
back in the sixties. We no longer hear the roar of hostile
guns from the ramparts or the shouts of the charging troops,
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 263
but instead the happy voices of playful children. Where the
smoke of battle once hung low, shutting out from view the
contending forces, we now see the smoke of the factory and
furnace. Those who were once enemies and engaged in the
deadly fray are now engaged in these peacful and industrial
pursuits, each striving to build up the waste places and to
reunite this great and growing country of ours over which
today one flag alone waves triumphantly.
264 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
CHAPTER XX.
CLOSING SCENES — UNDER THE TATTERED FLAG — MUSTERED
OUT — FAREWELL GREETING — RECEPTION BY THE LOYAL
PEOPLE.
The First Tennessee was now about to leave the service,
and the writer makes the modest claim that it made an honor
able and creditable record, one that their country and chil
dren may well be proud of. The list of engagements and its
death-roll tell part of the story, and during its service won
the name of "The Fighting First," and although not one of
Fox's three hundred fighting regiments, yet it was a brave
and gallant body of men, and wherever it was engaged its
losses bore evidence of its valor. It carried the Stars and
Stripes and marched under its waving folds when screaming
shot and hissing shell were sweeping them away. The period
when the regiment was organized was one when disaster
seemed at hand and the fate of the nation hung trembling
in the balance. The inducements for enlisting were the very
poorest. No magnificent bounties or ''big pay" were offered,
or mild service to lure them into the ranks. All that was
left "in that dark and trying hour" to give the volunteer
impulse was : "Your country needs you ; go !" Never was
there such a patriotic uprising of the loyal people all over
the land.
The men composing the First Tennessee have already
transmitted to posterity on the pages of history the evidence
of its valor on the field of battle. Hundreds of its members
will never again respond to any earthly roll-call or spring to
arms at the nation's call. Their work is done, and their
voices are silent. Captains Lane, Bowman and Cannon ;
Lieutenants Whitehead, Stapleton, Cox, Roberts and Hull;
REGIMENTAL FLAC1 AS IT APPEARS TO-DAY
TENNESSEE: VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 265
the long list of sergeants, corporals and privates, sleep the
unending sleep of death. Their forms have decomposed into
dust, the origin and the end of man. They died in the moun
tains of Kentucky and Tennessee, by the banks of the Cum
berland, Tennessee and Chattahoochee Rivers, on the battle
field, in the hospital and in prison. No monuments mark
their resting-places, but a deathless fame immortalizes their
deeds.
What a strange and happy change was now going on—
the war over and the soldiers being mustered out! About
a million of Union soldiers threw off their blue uniforms,
laid clown the weapons of war, and putting on citizens cloth
ing took up the arms of peace, soon to be lost sight of in a
busy world. Never had the world witnessed such a change.
In 1 86 1 -2 the great Union army, which had sprung into
existence from the loyal and patriotic people of the United
State?, were now as suddenly transformed back to the peace
ful pursuits of civil life.
The writer has endeavored in this brief work to give
the reader a correct account of the gallant record made by
the First Tennessee from 1862 to 1865. It has been a labor
of love as well as a pleasant duty to record the many heroic
deeds performed by the regiment. The First Tennessee had
brave, competent and faithful officers, while in the ranks the
men who carried the carbines and wielded the saber were
also brave and patriotic and discharged their duty faithfully.
The regiment was composed of good material — mostly
farmers — and was organized and led by volunteer officers.
The moral character was good and no regiment in the ser
vice was more religiously inclined. This was doubtless due
in a great measure to its worthy chaplain, who was a most
excellent Christian gentleman. He preached to the men
every Sunday, when it was possible to do so, and his meet
ings were always largely attended and of the most devout
character. It had as few camp fights as any regiment in the
service.
There were several officers and enlisted men of the
266 HISTORY OF I'IRST REGIMENT
First Tennessee commissioned in other regiments, while
others were detailed to fill various positions of trust and re
sponsibility, and the writer is unable to recall a single in
stance where anyone betrayed the confidence or degraded
the office he was called upon to fill.
In the preparation of this work the writer has as times
almost given up the enterprise for want of proper informa
tion and facts. Those who are familiar with the early or
ganization of the Tennessee regiments will remember that
they were made up in the State of Kentucky, and the irregu
lar way in which the men composing these regiments made
their escape in order to enlist will realize at once the great
difficulty in collecting facts for such a work. The State was
also a battleground most of the time. But after a year of
hard and patient labor this brief history has been prepared,
in which the many thrilling and heroic deeds are recorded,
and the writer feels warranted in saying that a grateful peo
ple fully appreciate your untiring sacrifice and devotion to
the "old flag" and that your blood was not spilled in vain.
The recruits remained in the service until the I4th of
June, when they were mustered out. Major Russell Thorn-
burgh, being the senior officer left, commanded the recruits
until they were discharged. The men were paid, the final
discharge given, and after marching to their quarters we ex
changed farewell greetings with those of our comrades who
were to remain in the service for a short time. It was a sad
•parting, one that all will remernber. Many letters were sent
home by the boys who remained behind.
The regiment as a unit assembled for the last time under
the folds of its old flag, and as the grim warriors gazed at
its tattered folds under which they had marched and fought
for three long years, many tears could be seen trickling
down the bronzed faces of the men. Our thoughts went out
in loving memory for those of our comrades who had fallen
in battle, died in the hospital or in prison — the last the
saddest of all.
It is true our efforts to help crush the rebellion were
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 267
successful, but the highways along which we marched
and fought have also been made moist and crimson by the
blood of our own dead. It is true the rebellion' could have
been put down without the aid of the First Tennessee, yet
the small streams help to make up the ocean.
On the nth day of April the Knox County boys and a
large number of the men from the upper East Tennessee
counties left camp and marched to the depot and embarked
on the cars for home, leaving behind a record that has
already passed into history. At Cleveland, Tennessee, we
heard of the assassination of President Lincoln at Wash
ington. On reaching our respective homes we were warmly
and cordially received by the loyal people, who greeted us
with open arms. Grim war nor cruel treatment had damp
ened their love for the Union or sympathy for the boys in
blue.
All over East Tennessee the returning soldiers were
greeted with outstretched arms, and banquets were given in
their honor. What a relief from an almost unbroken strain,
after three years of faithful service at the front! We said
goodbye, drill and dress-parade; goodbye, saber, gun and
tent; adieu, faithful horse and much-beloved canteen; fare
well, old hard-tack and army bean :
An affectionate adieu
To each of you.
Each returning soldier recalled the fact that others had
gone out with him, but would never return. They also re
called the days of battle and of death in hospital and in
prison. But with these sad memories came peace — no more
battles, no more prisons, no more hospitals. The boys were
welcomed home, and the people were ready and willing to
help the boys begin life again, and nothing was too good
for a returning soldier.
The recruits remained en duty in Nashville until the
I4th of June, 1865, when they were all mustered out and
returned home.
268 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
Now, comrades of the First Tennessee, I have at
tempted to follow your movements for three years and to
correctly record your deeds and the part you took in the
great struggle, but will let you judge of their correctness. I
have followed as best I could your movements in the States
of Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia
and Mississippi, the States in which you performed distin
guished service. And now, having followed all of your
movements from enlistment to muster-out at Nashville, the
capital of your own State, and being unable to follow you
any further or to accompany each one of you home, I will
leave you and bid each one a long and affectionate farewell.
Comrades, it has been one of the most pleasant duties of
my life to write a history of your service. But remember,
comrades, this has been no small undertaking, and if any
errors have been made they are of the head and not the
heart.
Since the close of the war the surviving members of the
regiment have organized an association known as "The First
Tennessee Cavalry Association," which meets annually.
These annual gatherings are well attended and are seasons of
great enjoyment. Through the kindness of Mrs. W. G.
Brownlow, the mother of our colonel, the old flag under
which the regiment inarched and fought was presented by
her to the association and is an interesting memento at our
meetings.
The whitening hair, the failing vision and the halting
step all prefigure the inevitable hour when all must pass
over and join the silent majority beyond.
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 269
ROSTER AND RECORD
...OF THE...
First Tennessee Cavalry.
Organized at Camp Garber, Ky., March and April,
1862. Mustered out at Nashville, Tenn., April and June,
1865. The roster contains the name, military record and
postoffice address of all the men whose names were borne
upon the rolls of the regiment during its service, and is as
complete and accurate as can be made from the facts and
dates at hand.
1862—1865.
FIELD AND STAFF.
COLONELS.
ROBERT JOHNSON. Enrolled Feb. 28, 1862. Resigned
on account of ill health May 31, 1863, at Triune, Tenn.
After resigning he went to Nashville, where for a short time
he assisted his father, who was then Governor of Tennessee.
He was a kind officer and good to his men. Died at Greene-
ville, Tenn., April 22, 1869.
BREVET BRIGADIER-GENERAL JAMES P. BROWNLOW.
Enrolled April i, 1862. Elected Captain of Company C at
its organization. Elected Lieutenant-Colonel Aug. I, 1862.
Promoted to Colonel on the resignation of Colonel Johnson.
Captured at Fairgarden, Tenn., Jan. 27, 1864; made his
escape soon after and rejoined the regiment. Led the First
Brigade from the disastrous field near Newnan, Ga., July
270 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
30, 1864, after the separation of General Croxton from his
command. Severely wounded at Franklin, Tenn., Sept 2,
1864. Was appointed Brigadier-General by brevet by Presi
dent Lincoln March 13, 1865. This promotion was for gal
lantry and meritorious service during the war. Was present
and mustered out with the regiment, his time having ex
pired. Appointed Captain in the Eighth United States Cav
alry, July, 1866. Resigned in March, 1868. Died at Knox-
ville, Tenn., April 27, 1878.
UEUTEN ANT-COLONEL.
C. M. DYER. Enrolled July 12, 1862. Elected Lieuten
ant Company H, July 12, 1862. Promoted to Major, Aug.
4, 1863 ; Lieutenant-Colonel, Sept. 19, 1864. Commanded
the regiment after Colonel Brownlow was wounded at
Franklin, until it returned to Nashville to be mustered out.
He was killed by a colored soldier in Knoxville, Tenn., Feb.
13, 1866. Colonel Dyer was attending a sale of government
property and on entering the building was shot dead by the
soldier who was on guard. His only excuse for the das
tardly act was that a white officer resembling Colonel Dyer,
he claimed, had offended him. The culprit was captured
by Colonel Dyer's friends shortly afterward and hung.
MAJORS.
JAMES O. BERRY. Enrolled April 15, 1862. Appointed
Adjutant of the regiment April, 1862. Promoted to Major
May 15, 1862. Resigned Jan. 6, 1863. Address, Denton,
Texas.
M. T. BURKHEART. Enrolled April I, 1862. Elected
First Lieutenant Company C at its organization. Promoted
to Captain August, I, 1862; to Major, Nov. i, 1862. Re
signed Aug. 4, 1863. Died April n, 1902.
W. R. TRACY. Enrolled Oct. 12, 1862. Elected Major
Nov., 1862. Resigned June 22, 1863.
ABRAHAM HAMMOND. Enrolled Aug. 6, 1862. Elected
Captain Company I at its organization. Promoted to Major
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 271
May 21, 1863. Resigned June 22, 1863. Address, Indian-
ola, Neb.
RUSSELL THORNBURGH. Enrolled Aug., 1862. Elected
Lieutenant Company K. Promoted to Major Aug. 5, 1863.
Wounded in right arm at Dandridge, Tenn., Dec. 24, 1863.
Was the ranking officer left on the muster-out of the regi
ment, and commanded the recruits until the final muster-out
in June, 1865. Died in 1899.
H. C. FLAGG. Enrolled April i, 1862. Elected Captain
Company E at its organization. Promoted to Major Aug. 6,
1863. Address, Whitesburg, Tenn.
BURTON SMITH. Enrolled Aug. i, 1862. Elected Cap
tain Company K at its organization. Promoted to Major
Sept. 22, 1864. Died at Red Clay, Ga., June 29, 1888.
Widow's address, Sherman Heights, Tenn.
SURGEONS AND ASSISTANT SURGEONS.
P. W. LOGAN. Appointed Surgeon by Colonel Johnson
April, 1862. Resigned Dec. 29, 1862. Address, Milledge-
ville, Ky.
FIRST ASSISTANT A. J. TAYLOR. Enrolled 1862. Re
signed, date unknown. Died in 1902.
SECOND ASSISTANT JNO. T. JONES. Enrolled Nov. i,
1862. Appointed First Assistant Surgeon on resignation of
Taylor ; Surgeon, on resignation of Dr. Logan. Died at
Nashville, Tenn., 1885.
SECOND ASSISTANT JAS. H. JONES. Enrolled Nov i,
1862. Appointed Second Assistant Surgeon on resignation
of John S. Jones. Resigned June 22, 1863. Address, New
Albany, Ind.
W. F. GREEN. Enrolled Aug. 15, 1863. Elected Sur
geon in Sept., 1863. Business address, No. 3 Noel Block,
Nashville, Tenn.
FIRST ASSISTANT JOHN L. REED. Enrolled March 30,
1863. Appointed First Assistant Surgeon in 1863. Died
at Content, Texas, date unknown.
272 HISTORY OF 1-IRST REGIMENT
SECOND ASSISTANT W. T. RANKIN. Enrolled Nov. i,
1862. Appointed Second Assistant Surgeon Nov., 1863.
Resigned on account of ill health Feb. 18, 1865. Died at his
home in Jefferson County, Tenn., date unknown.
CHAPLAIN.
JOHN P. Hoi/fsiNGER. Enrolled Aug., 1862. Elected
by the officers of the regiment and mustered as Chaplain,
with rank of Captain. He was the first Chaplain of the regi
ment and held that position until final muster-out. He was
a Cumberland Presbyterian minister, and was from Greene-
ville, Tenn. Was a brave man and a true Christian of the
highest order — the idol of his men. Died at his home near
Greeneville, Tenn., Oct. 26, 1875. The survivors of the
regiment have erected a beautiful monument to his memory.
ADJUTANTS.
JAMES O. BERRY. Enrolled April 15, 1862. See Field
and Staff.
JOHN HAI,L. Enrolled April, 1862. Appointed Adju
tant May, 1862. Resigned on account of ill health, date un
known. Afterwards joined the navy and was lost at sea;
no record of date or place.
JAMES BUNCH. Enrolled 1862. Appointed Adjutant.
Resigned a short time after his appointment; no record of
date.
CHAS. H. BENTLEY. Enrolled Nov. i, 1862. Appointed
Adjutant Nov. 4, 1862. Resigned July 18, 1863. Died since
close of war ; date unknown.
JOHN M. HARRIS. Enlisted Nov. i, 1862, as private in
Company C. Appointed Adjutant on the resignation of
Chas. H. Bentley. Was final adjutant of the regiment. Was
severely wounded at Rigg's Cross Roads, Tenn., April 16,
1863. In this engagement he received three wounds. The
one in the right lung was considered mortal, but with careful
nursing and a strong constitution he recovered. Address,
Fountain City, Tenn.
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 273
QUARTERMASTERS.
ROBERT Ho WELL. Enrolled April i, 1862. Appointed
Quartermaster by Colonel Johnson at Flat Lick, Ky., in
April, 1862. Accidentally killed at Portland, O., by being
thrown from a buggy as the regiment was on its way to
Camp Dennison to be mounted; date unknown.
JOHN H. JAMES. Enlisted Nov. 6, 1862, as private in
Company F. Promoted to First Lieutenant and regimental
Quartermaster, Nov. 7, 1862. Discharged July 25, 1864, to
accept promotion in the Quartermaster's Department at
Nashville, Tenn.
E. D. FILLMORE. Enrolled July 26, 1864. Appointed
Quartermaster to fill the vacancy caused by the discharge of
Lieutenant James. Address, Au Sable Forks, N. Y.
COMMISSARY.
I. B. SELF. Enlisted July 14, 1862, as private in Com
pany I. Promoted to Lieutenant and Commissary of Sub
sistence Jan. 6, 1863. Severely wounded at Franklin, Tenn.,
Sept. 2, 1864. Address, Bakersfield, Cal.
SERGEANT-MAJORS.
M. C. WILLIAMS. Appointed Sergeant-Major in 1862.
Promoted to Second Lieutenant Company G in Nov., 1864.
See roster of Company G.
FRANK HYBARGER. Enlisted Aug. I, 1862, as private in
Company I. Appointed Sergeant-Major to fill place made
vacant by the promotion of M. C. Williams. Died at his
home in 1897.
QUARTERMASTER-SERGEANTS.
DANIEL S. Fox. Enlisted March i, 1862, as private in
Company F. Appointed Quartermaster- Sergeant March,
1863. Promoted to Second Lieutenant Company B, 1863;
to First Lieutenant Nov. I, 1864. See roster Company B.
GEO. ARMITAGE. Enlisted Dec. 8, 1862, as private in
Company I. Appointed Quartermaster- Sergeant to fill place
274 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
made vacant by the promotion of D. S. Fox. Address,
Albany, Tenn.
HOSPITAL STEWARDS.
OLIVER O'NEAL. Enlisted April 15, 1862, as private in
Company D. Appointed Hospital Steward Nov. i, 1862.
Address, Bybee, Tenn.
S. H. HENDRIX. Enlisted Nov. i, 1862, as private in
Company L. Appointed Hospital Steward Aug. 4, 18^3.
Captured on the McCook raid, July 31, 1864. Confined in
nearly all of the Southern prisons ; exchanged the following
spring. Address, Watauga, Tenn.
ASSISTANT COMMISSARY SERGEANT.
W. F. SELF. Enlisted Dec. i, 1862, as private in Ccni-
pany I. Appointed Assistant Commissary Sergeant; no
record of date. Address, Greeneville, Tenn.
CHIEF BUGLER.
JULIAS E. THOMAS. Enlisted March i, 1862, as private
in Company F. Appointed Chief Bugler Nov. i, 1862.
Address, Stratford, Conn.
• SADDLE SERGEANTS.
W. P. LIFORD. Enlisted July 29, 1862, as private in
Company G. Appointed Saddle Sergeant in 1863. Address,
Stinesville, Ind.
ASSISTANT JNO. S. STEVENS. Address, Cleopatra, Ky.
WAGON MASTER.
W. J. BISE. Enlisted April i, 1862, as private in Com
pany C. Appointed Wagonmaster Nov. i, 1862. Died at
Strawberry Plains, Tenn., Oct. 7, 1886.
POSTMASTER.
D. A. BROOKS. Enlisted April i, 1863, as private in
Company C. Appointed regimental Postmaster in 1863.
Address, Smithwood, Tenn.
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY.
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FIRST UEUTENA
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SECOND UEUTEN;
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332 HISTORY OF FIRST REGIMENT
ROLL OF HONOR.
NAMES OF ENLISTED MEN WHO DIED IN PRISON.
The very imperfect manner in which the Southern
prison records were kept makes it almost impossible to ob
tain a correct list of the men belonging to the First Tennes
see who were captured and died while in captivity during its
term of service. The writer has endeavored to secure a cor
rect list, and after a careful search believes the following to
be as complete a list as it is possible to obtain :
NO. OF
COMPANY A. GRAVK.
Samuel Dudley Andersonville April 8, 1864 435
John Tyfle Andersonville June 28, 1864 4,122
COMPANY E.
Isaac Weir Andersonville July 14, 1864 3,297
John Vansel Belle Isle Nov. 12, 1863
C. G. Gipson Andersonville July 24,1864 3,887
COMPANY E.
E. Smidney Andersonville Aug. 30, 1864 7>3I4
J.D.Winchester Andersonville April 21,1864 12,902
COMPANY F.
Franklin Parker
, Danville Va
Dec
4 186^?
COMPANY H.
*T> AWWO
•
David Sutton ,
Andersonville. .
. . . Aug.
23, 1864
6,643
COMPANY I.
Joshua Coggins
. . Feb
8, 1865
591
COMPANY K.
G. W. Gill..
Andersonville. .
. . Scot.
16, 1864
8,946
COMPANY L.
C. G. Montgomery Andersonville Sept. 21, 1864 9,559
Jacob Colier Andersonville Sept. 23, 1864
COMPANY M.
J. A. Dodd Andersonville Nov. 22, 1864 12,119
John Firestone Andersonville Aug. n, 1864 5>32°
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 333
RECAPITULATION.
Commissioned officers 82
Enlisted men i,37O
CASUALTIES IN THE SERVICE.
Killed and died of wounds received in battle:
Commissioned officers 5
Enlisted men 60
Died of disease :
Commissioned officers 3
Enlisted men 235
Died in captivity:
Enlisted men 15
Transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps :
Commissioned officers I
Enlisted men 12
Transferred to other organizations by promotion 16
Deserted :
Enlisted men 56
Discharged for disability and wounds :
Commissioned officers I
Enlisted men 41
Discharged by special order of General Thomas:
Enlisted men I
Resigned :
Commissioned officers 26
Killed accidentally :
Commissioned officers I
Enlisted men I
Re-entered the service after resigning:
Commissioned officers 6
Committed suicide .
Enlisted men I
Lost on the Sultana :
Enlisted men I
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY
BERKELEY
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